Chapter 31: The Prophetic Consort (Part One)

It was precisely because Fang Xu had held Qin Suwen in his arms all night that Qin Suwen hadn’t slept a wink. Or rather, Qin Suwen merely closed her eyes for a moment, but whenever she did, Fang Xu’s large hand became restless, leaving Qin Suwen wondering whether Fang Xu was truly asleep or just pretending. If it weren’t for the sound of his snoring, she might have believed he was feigning sleep to take advantage of her. Yet Qin Suwen didn’t consider that if Fang Xu really meant to do so, he wouldn’t need to pretend at all—he was always brazen and forthright in his actions.

As a result, sitting now in the grand Golden Throne Hall, Qin Suwen couldn’t help but yawn repeatedly. If not for matters in the court that required her attention, she would have returned to her chambers to rest. After all, having gone the entire night without proper sleep, she was undeniably exhausted.

Unfortunately, the ministers and officials beneath the dragon throne seemed oblivious to the fatigue written on Qin Suwen’s face, continuing their heated debates as if nothing was amiss.

“Your Majesty! Last night, the barbarian tribes from beyond the frontier launched a surprise attack on our army’s borders. Were you aware of this?” At this moment, Chancellor Zhang stepped forward, smiling as he addressed Qin Suwen above.

The drowsiness that had lingered on Qin Suwen’s features vanished at Zhang’s words. She frowned, knowing that while she found Chancellor Zhang distasteful, he would never fabricate such a serious matter.

“Ahem! General Meng!” Qin Suwen coughed lightly, prompting the debates below to cease.

Among the military officers, there was a hesitant glance at Meng Tian, who sat with his eyes closed in meditation. The civil officials, meanwhile, looked on with a mocking expression.

“Present, Your Majesty!” Meng Tian responded, stepping out from the ranks of generals, bowing with his fists clasped.

“Have there been any recent movements from the barbarian tribes beyond the frontier?” Qin Suwen’s brows furrowed as she questioned Meng Tian below. The barbarians beyond the frontier had always been a thorn in her side.

Indeed, they were a thorn in the side of all Great Qin; if not removed, they could threaten the very security of the realm. Thus, upon hearing news of them, Qin Suwen’s fatigue gave way to vigilance, reminding herself of her responsibilities.

“Reporting to Your Majesty! The barbarians did launch a surprise attack on our positions last night, but fortunately, our forces repelled them with minimal losses,” Meng Tian replied with some excitement.

The assembled ministers were stunned, looking at the excited Meng Tian in disbelief. Among them, Chancellor Zhang was especially shocked, his face as if he’d seen a ghost, unable to believe whether Meng Tian was telling the truth.

Earlier that morning, upon learning of the barbarians’ night raid, Chancellor Zhang immediately sensed an opportunity. The animosity between him and Meng Tian was well known; with trouble at the frontier, Zhang naturally saw it as Meng Tian’s fault.

If he could impeach Meng Tian, how could he let the chance slip by? That very morning, Zhang gathered his trusted allies, planning to bring down Meng Tian together. If Meng Tian fell, the influence of the military officials in court would plummet, leaving the civil officials unchallenged. If Zhang succeeded, his position as prime minister would be assured, and his allies could rise alongside him.

On the other side, the generals were equally concerned by the news. Unlike the civil officials, the military cared deeply about Meng Tian’s importance. If he fell, what would become of the frontier? What would happen in court?

This was the root of the earlier disputes in court, with Chancellor Zhang leading the civil officials and Meng Tian the generals, each silent but resolute.

Zhang’s lips curled upward; in his eyes, this was the perfect opportunity to destroy Meng Tian. Such a rare chance, he would not let it slip.

As the debates raged around him, Meng Tian seemed oblivious, unmoved. When Chancellor Zhang noticed the slight smile on Meng Tian’s lips, he couldn’t help but laugh aloud. To Zhang, Meng Tian’s smile was a taunt, a provocation.

Zhang was certain Meng Tian knew what danger he faced. In Zhang’s mind, unless a miracle occurred, not even the Empress could protect Meng Tian now. This was why, upon seeing Qin Suwen, Zhang didn’t immediately step forward—he was waiting for Meng Tian to come forward and confess his guilt.

But Meng Tian remained silent, and Zhang scoffed in contempt. Clearly, he thought Meng Tian was clinging to his dignity, especially as Meng Tian sat with his eyes closed, reinforcing Zhang’s plan.

So, Zhang finally stood forth to report to Qin Suwen, knowing only he had the standing to impeach Meng Tian.

Yet upon hearing Meng Tian’s words, Zhang was thrown into disarray. The civil officials, who had been gloating, now had their faces frozen, while the generals remained anxious.

The generals had received the news but had not heard that all was well at the frontier, which was crucial. Many suspected Meng Tian was lying.

If Meng Tian truly was lying, his fate was sealed—deceiving the sovereign was no trivial matter, and concealing military affairs was an even greater crime.

This thought worried many generals, for their ties with Meng Tian were strong, and none wished to see misfortune befall him.