The Empire will continue to win

Chapter 101 Empress Dowager Cixi is surrounded by enemies, Professor Shen steps forward!

Before the Empress Dowager Cixi could speak...

Shen Moqing interrupted, "The Empress Dowager wants to unite all social classes and rally the people's hearts by convening a grand court meeting to end the Liaodong war as soon as possible."

"You instigated this, didn't you?" Emperor Xuanwu's face was gloomy, and his eyes were filled with anger.

"My son, you mustn't be rude. All of this was decided by me." Out of her instinct as a ruler, the Empress Dowager took the blame, but the effect was the opposite, and the young emperor's eyes held a complex look.

Suspicion, pain, and resentment.

At this moment, he deeply understood Ying Zheng's feelings.

Lao Ai!

After assuming power, I vow to exterminate your entire clan.

Alright~

The professor's enemy has grown by one.

As expected of the Empress Dowager, she had a very high political stance and came up with a perfectly legitimate reason after a little thought.

-

"In recent years, the rebels in the south have been constantly attacking the royal family for being autocratic in the newspapers, demanding local autonomy, the reopening of the Grand Council, and the implementation of the cabinet decision-making system by raising hands. Politics is the art of compromise, and my reopening of the Grand Council can win back some of the people's hearts."

"I hope Mother will take good care of herself and not end up hurting herself." Emperor Xuanwu made a veiled remark.

"I have a clear conscience. Everything I have done is for the sake of the country and the nation." Heh heh, what kind of person is our mother? She stands on the moral high ground and looks down on her rebellious son.

Having said that, the air inside the hall felt chilly.

"Mother, please take care of yourself. I'll take my leave now." Emperor Xuanwu glanced at Shen Moqing as if to warn her, then got up and left.

No sooner had the young emperor left than Prince Gong sent him a note he had written himself, which contained only eight characters: "No matter what, fight but never break apart."

Empress Dowager Cixi sneered.

Having broken off relations, I feel more at ease.

"Mo Qing, I was somewhat regretful a few days ago for listening to your advice. But now it seems I made the right decision."

"The Empress Dowager is wise. The more the enemy opposes us, the more it proves that we are doing the right thing."

2

"I never expected that my son would also stand against me and help the enemy against me." As she spoke, a trace of pain appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes, but it quickly disappeared without a trace, replaced by determination and ruthlessness.

There are no fathers and sons, nor mothers and sons in the royal family.

It has always been this way. Everyone in the Forbidden City covets imperial power and schemes against each other. The so-called relationships are inherently superficial.

Coupled with the precedent of a coup d'état, and with Emperor Xuanwu and Shen Moqing secretly fanning the flames behind the scenes, fearing that the world would be too peaceful, the Forbidden City eventually became a stage for the Three Kingdoms.

It's funny when you think about it.

Shen Moqing and Emperor Xuanwu had the same idea: if things got chaotic, they could gain more power from the Empress Dowager.

"You all go down first."

"Yes."

After the Imperial Guards left the front hall.

"You were right that day, two tigers cannot share one mountain, unless one is male and the other female." The Empress Dowager's eyes flickered, as if she had made up her mind. "Mo Qing, help me to rule the Forbidden City alone."

Okay~

That's exactly what I've been waiting for.

Shen Moqing's voice was deep but resolute: "The first time I saw Fengyan, I made a secret decision in my heart that I had no other wish in this life but to assist the Empress Dowager in making decisions and spreading the world with military might, and to surpass Yeka in both civil and military achievements."

Although it was flattery, every word was carefully crafted.

You can't exactly say you don't want anything in return, can you?

That's so fake.

There has to be some reason, to make me crave your body!

Sure enough, the Empress Dowager's tightly furrowed brows relaxed considerably. She wasn't afraid of you having any requests; she was afraid of you having no requests at all.

"Mo Qing~"

26-year-old Jiang Yilan's chest heaved as she gracefully descended the steps to Shen Moqing. Due to the height difference, she had to stand on tiptoe to kiss him.

Upon closer inspection, the Empress Dowager's rouge seemed to carry the fragrance of crabapple blossoms.

Shen Moqing was overjoyed and took the opportunity to put his arm around her slender waist and grope her.

Ah ~

The revolutionary friendship has been elevated once again!

The passion for battle rises daily!

Before the palace gates closed, Shen Moqing hummed "Eighteen Touches" as he left the Meridian Gate, boarded a carriage, and returned to his residence surrounded by a group of armed guards.

The Shen residence is practically the headquarters of Special Agent No. 76.

A large number of militiamen in blue uniforms patrolled the alley with hunting dogs, remaining vigilant and setting up barricades at intervals to prevent the suicide wagons from rushing in.

Don't ask, the answer is that the professor loved playing the game "Red Alert" when he was young, which left him with psychological trauma.

"Greetings, Your Excellency."

Shen Moqing glanced at Wang Wu, who was fully armed and expressionless, and thought that these were critical times, so he needed to win people's hearts. He then said in a low voice, "Come here."

-

in the corner.

Have you been reading the newspaper lately?

"I've seen it."

"Do you know about the Grand Council?"

"I know, the newspapers are full of this."

"I convened the Grand Council at my suggestion to the Empress Dowager Cixi. I am an enlightened patriot; I believe that imperial power should be shared with the people, and I want the country to prosper. But now there are many people outside opposing me, I—"

The results were surprisingly good.

Wang Wu's expression was priceless, roughly a mixture of shock, emotion, admiration, and fervor, to the point of kneeling in the snow as if overturning a mountain of gold and a jade pillar.

"My lord, though I am a warrior, I know that your actions are for the sake of all living beings, and I am also aware of the danger you face. I humbly request that you allow me to stay by your side at all times and protect you."

"Fifth Brother, I'm worried about home. If you can protect this mansion for me and give me peace of mind, that would be the greatest help you can give me."

"Rest assured, my lord, unless I die, no one will be able to set foot here." As he spoke, Wang Wu exuded heroic spirit.

"Fifth Brother, I heard your swordsmanship is excellent?"

"I have learned some skills from wandering the martial arts world since I was a child. I dare not say that I can take on a hundred men, but if we fight with sword against sword, killing ten or eight of them is no problem."

"Fifth Brother, you are a great hero, and so am I. As the saying goes: the greatest heroes are those who serve their country and its people. I'm entrusting the family matters to you."

"I am willing to lead your horse and hold your stirrups."

In that instant, the brothers were overcome with deep affection. Wang Wuhu's eyes filled with tears, wishing he could die for his country immediately.

Shen Moqing then entered the mansion with peace of mind.

As he once told the Empress Dowager:

For a great political will to be implemented, a large number of trusted confidants are needed to carry it out. Cultivating trusted confidants is difficult because a person's time and energy are limited, and the number of talented people they can come into contact with is also limited.

Winning people's hearts is an art.

Some people need to be promised promotion and wealth, like Yuan Weiting.

Some people need to achieve a resonance of ideas and principles, like Wang Wu.

Some people, like Browning, will be devoted to anyone given a platform to showcase their talents.

Some people don't need much effort because they are bound by blood ties and can't escape anyway, such as Shen Lian, or his father-in-law Du Fengzhi, who hasn't been put into service yet.

For some people, all they need to do is deceive them.

Political science is a profound and complex field, encompassing the study of human nature. How can one conduct politics effectively if one cannot even understand a person?

To learn politics, one must first understand human nature.

No two leaves are exactly alike, but there are many people who are very similar.

"Second Young Master, the Old Madam has instructed you to come over immediately after you return to the manor." Pearl came over as soon as he returned to his room. She was now a concubine, but her clothes were still low-key.

"Husband, are you alright?" Du Wenlan asked, her face serious as she clenched her fingers.

"It's nothing, just some disagreements in the court. Prepare the fragrant soup, I'll be right back."

"Yes."

Du Yulan hesitated, wondering if there was something fishy about the sudden increase in armed guards in the mansion. But she always kept in mind the virtues of womanhood and didn't ask any more questions.

-

She simply prepared the fragrant soup, wine, and dishes quietly.

Inner courtyard.

The old lady's room.

As soon as I walked in, I heard my uncle shouting, "Conveniently holding a grand court meeting is an idea that will bring disaster to the country and its people. The proper order of ruler and subject, father and son, has always been the way it has been. What do the affairs of the court have to do with the common people?"

"This was my idea."

His words stunned everyone present, and the room fell silent.

The eldest uncle, true to his character, remained calm and composed as he looked at Shen Moqing, who had suddenly entered the room. He then changed the subject, saying, "Thinking about it carefully, democracy isn't so bad after all. Allowing ordinary people to actively participate in the discussion of national affairs and offer their suggestions is a kind of progress in civilization."

Shen Zheng: "Yes, yes! Public sentiment is crucial."

"Grandson, sit down." The old lady glared at him. "Quickly, bring a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup; it'll clear heat and reduce internal fire. Grandson, what's going on outside?"

"With the two empress dowagers and the emperor in charge, some friction is inevitable. You should all stay home for the next few days to avoid going out."

"well."

"How is Liaodong? And what exactly is this grand court council going to discuss?" Shen Zheng asked.

"Father, things are going very well in Liaodong. Our army is winning big. As for the Grand Council meeting, you'll find out in a few days."

"Qing'er, could you talk to the Empress Dowager and give your father a chance to serve the court? Railways, shipping, military industry, diplomacy, anything is fine with me, I'm not picky."

"And me too," Uncle Shen She also shamelessly begged for an official position.

No rush, no rush. Nothing should be rushed.

Shen Moqing remained silent, only pondering.

"Second Young Master."

A maid brought over a steaming bowl of lotus seed soup. Shen Moqing took a closer look and saw that the maid was beautiful, with a slender waist, narrow shoulders, and delicate hands. Looking at her face, she was charming yet stubborn, clearly not someone who could be easily manipulated.

Shen Moqing took it and drank a sip.

He said slowly and deliberately, "I've been very busy these past few days. Once things settle down, I'll arrange suitable jobs for you. But let me make it clear beforehand, if you don't do them to my satisfaction..."

"Resign! He must be dismissed!" Shen Zheng shouted.

"Yes, yes." Shen She laughed heartily.

We should recommend virtuous and capable individuals regardless of personal relationships!

The political science professor wasn't a germaphobe, nor did he intend to emulate a saint. He did plan to send his two living ancestors out to do some work, not to benefit the people, but simply to annoy his opponents.

There are too many insects.

Rather than letting a worm occupy a high position, it's better to let one's own turtle take the spot.

The more Old Madam Shen listened, the more gratified she became. She got up and lit three sticks of incense for the ancestral tablets, murmuring auspicious words such as "May our ancestors bless us, may Mo Qing have many children, and may our whole family prosper."

After leaving the old lady's house, Shen Moqing suddenly stopped under the covered walkway by the pond, gazing at the swirling snowflakes, and couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

"Isn't the second young master cold?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"It's not cold. If you're cold, go back by yourself."

"That won't do, the Japanese officer will scold me."

Shen Moqing glanced at her; this was the maid who had just served her lotus seed soup. The old lady had instructed her to carry the lantern and escort her back to her room.

Because it was warm inside and she was only dressed lightly, she came out wearing only a silver-threaded jacket, and was now shivering.

"I want to be alone. You should go back."

"don't want."

Stubborn girl, then let her freeze.

Shen Moqing's heart was filled with thoughts of the entire nation, and he had no time to pity a pretty little maid.

Five minutes later~

"Let's go."

I've only taken a few steps.

"Oh~ Qingwen, you're dressed so thinly in this freezing weather. What, do you want to become the second young master's concubine like Pearl?" A woman suddenly emerged from the darkness.

First impression: dazzlingly beautiful.

Although she was wrapped up tightly, her expression was inexplicably alluring, unforgettable at first glance, and her voice was captivating as well.

"Pah!"

Qingwen blushed and spat.

"Greetings, Second Young Master." The woman gracefully approached and bowed. Her voice was like a nightingale's, her waist as slender as a water snake, and her eyes as cunning as a fox.

Shen Moqing wondered to himself, "Whose concubine is this? She looks unfamiliar."

"Qingwen, what's this?"

"The master's new concubine is a famous actress from the capital's opera troupe."

"This humble servant, Yang Cuixi, greets the Second Young Master." The water snake bowed gracefully once more.

"Um."

Shen Moqing did not return the gift.

Concubines, strictly speaking, are high-ranking servants, not elders.

"Qingwen, if you catch a cold, who will take care of the matriarch? Leave the lamp here, and go back by yourself," Shen Moqing said, seeing the silly maid shivering from the cold.

"Thank you, Second Young Master." Qingwen felt as if she had been granted a pardon. The weather was cold and she was wearing thin clothes, so she couldn't stand it anymore. Before leaving, she didn't forget to warn the woman in front of her, "Aunt Yang, be mindful of your status."

"call."

A lone man and a lone woman in a narrow corridor.

Yang Cuixi suddenly stepped back, inhaled and pulled in her stomach, leaning against the wall. Her meaning was clear: she wanted the broad-shouldered Shen Moqing to go first.

Shen Moqing frowned, but was in a hurry to get back to his room, so he walked past her sideways.

Our eyes met, we brushed past each other, a little crowded, but not enough to cause any trouble. Ah, these corrupt, feudal families, they're such a headache.

"Second Young Master, let's play mahjong another day."

Too lazy to bother with it, I went back to my room and slept soundly through the night.

As the saying goes:

Having seen countless flowers in bloom, nothing beats returning home to sleep with my wife. Though it may lack a bit of romance, sleeping until dawn is free.

One word: Peace.

The next day.

December 25th was the day the Grand Council convened.

early morning.

Before dawn, Shen Moqing left the mansion early and waited outside the Meridian Gate.

Before long, a man dressed in a high-ranking naval uniform, with a slightly refined air, came over, stepping on the scattered jade fragments. He was Yan Fu, the Minister of the Navy.

"This humble servant greets Commander Yan."

"Hmm, what are you doing here?"

"This humble servant may ask the Commander, at today's meeting, which side did you support?"

"Who sent you to ask me this?"

"This is my voluntary service."

"Regardless of who sent you, my stance is that the empire's politics need balance and no single entity should dominate. Many things should be discussed openly."

97

A virtuous person is open and honest!

Okay, that's exactly what I've been waiting to hear.

"Your thoughts are the same as Empress Dowager Cixi's."

"Really?" Yan Fu was a little incredulous.

"Yes, supporting Empress Dowager Cixi is supporting democracy. At this critical moment, we hope you can step forward and clearly support her."

"good!"

Yan Fu was a gentleman, and a gentleman would not say one thing to someone's face and another behind their back.

Allies +1

The next person to enter the palace was Shen Zhaolin, the Minister of Revenue. He had played a significant role in the coup three years prior and had always been a staunch supporter of the Empress Dowager Cixi.

"Minister Shen, please wait."

"What? You want to see me?" Shen Zhaolin's expression was somewhat subtle, showing a hint of resistance, but the professor noticed it perfectly—

The.

"The Empress Dowager instructed me to convey to you that these are turbulent times. We originally intended to maintain peaceful relations and unite against external threats, but unfortunately, two tigers cannot share the same mountain. What is even more infuriating is that Prince Gong has also sided with the wrong side, so we have no choice but to resort to this drastic measure."

"Is that so?" Shen Zhaolin's expression clearly changed. "It's too risky, what if—"

"Don't worry, everything will be fine."

"Sigh, I hope so." Shen Zhaolin shook his head helplessly and slowly walked into the Meridian Gate.

Win back allies +1

Giddy up!

Senggelinqin, the commander of the Second Garrison, gracefully dismounted. He was a man of broad shoulders and a strong build, with a sharp and capable demeanor. However, due to years of riding horses, his bowlegs were particularly noticeable.

"Greetings, Commander. May I speak with you in private?"

"Get lost~"

"You little bastard, you think I won't dare to mess with you just because you have the Empress Dowager backing you up? You just wait~" The Mongol threw down a threat and swaggered into the Meridian Gate.

-

Enemy +1.

Prince Duan has arrived.

Enemy +1.

Gui Liang has arrived.

Enemy +1.

Empress Dowager, now the whole world is against you, including your own son. Only I, Shen Moqing, firmly support you!

The Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The small front hall was crowded with dignitaries.

There is a tradition of holding smaller meetings before the main conference.

The purpose of holding small meetings is to urge everyone to take sides and prepare for struggle.

Two rows of Imperial Guards stood inside the hall, one faction being the establishment faction (also known as the royalists) and the other the democrats faction (also known as the liberals), all unarmed.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Fight without breaking apart!

Currently, both sides have maintained basic restraint.

"Regarding the Grand Council, do any of you officials have anything to say?" The young emperor was the first to speak.

After assuming power behind the curtain, this was the first time he spoke before the two empress dowagers, expressing his resentment at the country's shattered state and the young emperor's inability to serve his country.

"Your Majesty, I dare to ask whether the court intends to restore the ancestral system of democratic deliberation?" The first to fire the shot was Yan Fu, the Minister of the Navy; it was always the honest man who charged into battle.

"Yan Fu, are you Nurhaci's filial son and virtuous grandson?" Minister of Rites Weng Tonghe shouted sternly.