Chapter 99

That morning, Tao Sheng went out early and met Shen Yue, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.

Lately, Shen Yue had been exhausted physically and mentally. After Shen Huan failed the provincial exams twice, he lost all motivation. With rumors circulating, he stayed home every day, not even leaving his yard.

Shen Ci had heard many rumors about Tao Sheng’s close relationship with her family. He saw how well Tao Sheng treated her younger siblings, which made him jealous. He also witnessed Shen Ruojin’s true nature and recalled how his sister, who had just arrived in the capital, was lonely and bullied by Shen Ruojin. Shen Ci had helped Shen Ruojin in doing wrong and felt deeply regretful. His guilt and anxiety grew every day.

Two months ago, his grandmother, Madam Shen, passed away. Shen Yu, his father, and Luo Xin, his mother, had divorced years ago. The Wenyuan Marquis Mansion now had no mistress.

Funerals are exhausting enough, but after his grandmother’s passing, Shen Yu felt like everything had fallen apart. He used to rely on his mother’s side of the family, but now, without the old matriarch’s support, he had no one to rely on.

Shen Yue began to realize how hard it was to pursue a career without family support. Tao Sheng had gone through even more difficulties in the past.

Thinking about this now, Shen Yue felt that he had treated Tao Sheng poorly, and guilt weighed heavily on him.

Tao Sheng met Shen Yue on Hongsheng Road.

Today was the Shangsi Festival ^[1]a lively traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar’, one of the busiest in Beijing. The streets were crowded with people.

Tao Sheng had the day off, and with her cousin not home, she had nothing to do. So, she decided to visit her aunt at the zither store to see if she could help.

She ran into her former adopted brother, Shen Yue, who looked very tired, his exhaustion clear despite his young age.

Shen Yue had not been one of those who frequently came to her house, asking to be included in the family tree.

The last time Tao Sheng saw him was about three or four years ago.

As Tao Sheng thought, Shen Yue approached her and said, “I’m sorry for what happened in the past.”

Tao Sheng was momentarily stunned.

Shen Yue continued, “We owe you this apology. I want to apologize on behalf of myself and my family.”

Shen Yue quickly turned and left, likely afraid of annoying her.

Tao Sheng didn’t care about the Shen family’s apology anymore. They were no longer part of her life, and whether they apologized or not had no impact on her.

However, Shen Yue’s actions reminded her of something important.

She wasn’t against marrying Chu Xun anymore. Part of the reason was that she was attracted to his family’s good traditions, and she could rely on him for her cousin’s retirement in the future.

If she married Chu Xun, there might be a conflict between Chu Xun and Ji Yanming in the future. In that case, she might side with Ji Yanming.

After Shen Yue married, regardless of any disputes with his wife or who was right, he always stood by Shen Ruojin, his fake sister, and ignored his wife. Tao Sheng had always despised Shen Yue’s behavior.

Tao Sheng didn’t want to become like Shen Yue, but she knew that people’s hearts are naturally biased. She couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t act similarly in the future.

It was better to discuss this with Chu Xun now. Tao Sheng decided to talk to him about it.

Just then, a servant ran over, panting, and said, “Miss, I’ve been looking for you. His Majesty has called you to the palace.”

Tao Sheng asked, “Did something happen at home?”

The servant replied, “Someone came from the palace and said His Majesty wants to talk with you. You should go back.”

Since it was a national holiday and most officials were on vacation, the emperor only summoned her at this moment if something urgent had come up.

Tao Sheng hurried to the palace, wondering what the emperor’s instructions might be.

When she arrived at Xuanzheng Hall, she found Lord Zhao, the Minister of Honglu Temple, Lord Wei, the Minister of War, and King Huan were all there.

Tao Sheng felt strange about the lineup, as it seemed unrelated to her.

But she still stepped forward and saluted the emperor: “Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you.”

The emperor replied, “No need for formalities,” gave seats to several people, and began explaining the reason for calling them.

Several northern countries were constantly in conflict. Dai and Ling could no longer bear it and wanted to become vassal states of the Great Zhou to accept its leadership and protection, paying tribute and homage.

This was the first time a northern country had surrendered since the founding of the Great Zhou, and it held great importance.

Tao Sheng could also see that the emperor was very excited about these requests.

This was a major achievement that could be recorded in history during his reign. It could boost the morale of the court, strengthen the country’s unity, and also be included in history books to showcase his accomplishments. No wonder the emperor took this matter seriously and with great caution.

The emperor’s priorities were:

1. To prove the sincerity of the two countries’ surrender, avoiding any potential betrayal that could be difficult to resolve.

2. To set up rules based on local conditions and negotiate favorable terms for future exchanges, trade, and tribute, which would also serve as a reference for other countries considering surrender.

3. The last time King Huan led a diplomatic mission to the State of Ling, he averted war and made significant contributions. The emperor was very fond of him and wanted him to lead this team, giving him the right to select a deputy envoy.

King Huan was particularly optimistic about Tao Sheng. He told the emperor about her heroic performance during the Ling State mission and strongly recommended her as the deputy envoy to the northern border.

The emperor considered this. Tao Sheng was a fifth-rank official, which made her a suitable candidate for deputy envoy. She had also demonstrated her capability through multiple successful negotiations, so there would be no issue.

It was decided.

The emperor held a brief meeting, instructing Prince Huan and Tao Sheng to be ready and depart as soon as possible. He also ordered that the Honglu Temple and the Ministry of War must fully cooperate to ensure the mission’s success.

After leaving Xuanzheng Hall,  Prince Huan noticed that Tao Sheng seemed in a low mood. It might be because the news came so suddenly.

King Huan decided to cheer Tao Sheng up.

“Do you know we’ll pass through Pingliang Prefecture on our way to Dai?”

When Ji Yanming had a diplomatic mission to the State of Ling, Tao Sheng had studied the itinerary thoroughly and could almost recite the names of all the states along the way.

“I know.”

“That’s good,” King Huan laughed. “I heard from my eldest nephew that Xiao Ji and his friends will be there in a few days. We might meet them next month.”