Chapter Six, Abundant Harvests with Auspicious Snow

In this reflection, she realized that the Duke of Anguo had also risen to prominence through military achievements, being of a martial background and holding considerable prestige in both the court and the military. This is why the Shentu brothers were able to secretly unite various military leaders and swiftly stabilize the situation in the realm.

Lan Dan could not help but glare at him; indeed, he had been scheming and playing tricks for many years.

"Because I have shared my greatest secret with you." At this moment, Shen Tu Rui smiled again and sat up straight, "When two people share a life-and-death secret, it naturally becomes an absolute alliance."

The heavy snow makes travel difficult; although there are many servants clearing the way, snow still accumulates everywhere, and the road is narrow and rugged

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked with a smile, feigning ignorance, which was particularly infuriating

Lan Dan was momentarily taken aback, interesting? When has she ever been interesting

Lan Dan strained to see, but the snow was heavy and the obstacles numerous. Yet, a line of resplendent carriages, adorned with gold and colorful decorations, stood out vividly against the pure white snow, astonishingly numerous.

"Alright, alright." Shen Tu Rui waved his hand impatiently, "Let's not mention this during the New Year celebrations. After all these years of troubles, it's not easy to finally have a peaceful year."

The Emperor's army is far away in the southern frontier, unable to reach in time. The northern front forces have all been defeated, and the reinforcements that could provide assistance cannot arrive before the general offensive in the northern desert begins. The situation for the Great Min is perilous

Lan Dan sighed, stared blankly for a while, and then slowly said: "Father, the Emperor, is very imposing. Although he always smiles when he sees us, I have hardly ever seen him angry. However, I am very afraid of him and feel very unfamiliar with him"

"Perhaps you do not believe it, but from childhood to adulthood, he has never held my hand or touched my head." She unconsciously tilted her head slightly, her gaze unfocused in the hazy snow mist. "He has never spoken to me alone, and I always felt he was very far away, very far... However," she furrowed her brow, "after he died, I realized that I was deeply connected to him. The imperial city is so vast, and my father was merely a symbolic presence, yet the world is so small; with his absence, I find I have no place to stand."

Ascending the Dinglong Wall, for the Emperor, equates to the arrival of formidable enemies, having already breached the heartland, which is particularly taboo. Unexpectedly... the downfall of the Great Min was not due to warfare, nor was there any need for this Dinglong Wall as the final defense

Shentu Rui took her up to Dinglong Gate, and looking down, not only the imperial city but the entire Juandu was submerged in a haze of snow, all colors were covered, leaving only the desolate and indifferent whiteness of snow

His greatest secret? It is nothing more than the grudges and favors associated with the throne. She does not care at all about who owns the world or who becomes the emperor. To her, it makes no difference. After all, the world that belonged to her family, the Xiao family, is no longer in existence.

"Now in my family's ancestral hall, are all the tablets of your ancestors placed there?" she said coldly

"Look," Shen Tu Rui said with a long and profound smile, raising his hand to point to her, "the noble ladies who have come to pay their respects to the imperial harem have entered the palace."

Lan Dan turned her face away from him. He was not wrong; she knew the origin of this wall! About twenty years ago, her father, young and competitive, personally led troops to attack Nanyue, achieving consecutive victories, and the capital was filled with celebration. However, unexpectedly, the Northern Desert, which was established through military might, managed to break through the northern line with only thirty thousand troops, advancing rapidly and bringing the flames of war to the outskirts of Juan, putting the capital in imminent danger

Over the years, the Shentu family has deliberately concealed their brilliance. The emperor, the empress, and the powerful figures in the capital regard them as the weak young masters of a once influential but now diminished noble family. What is renowned in the capital is merely their appearance and demeanor. In fact, they should be referred to as the young lord or young general, as the Duke of Anguo had once conferred the title of General Weilie upon them. However, throughout this time, the only one known to the public has been Shentu "Young Master" Shentu Cheng, who is merely distinguished by his striking looks.

"Is this wall also inauspicious for your Shentu family?" She scoffed, for this was the beginning of their rise; before this, Shentu Rongqing was merely an unknown martial artist.

In the palace, there is no empress; to whom do they go to pay their respects?

"No..." Lan Dan shrank back, instinctively refusing. Since she was young, she had known that climbing the Dragon Wall would offend her father, and it was best not to even mention it.

Lan Dan glanced coldly at the embroidered dragon pattern on his shoulder. The Dayan regime had usurped the throne too hastily, and many regulations and rites could only follow the Min system, even this ceremonial robe... She had seen it countless times on her several brothers. She couldn't help but recall her third and ninth brothers, who were buried in a chaotic graveyard; once, they too were such splendid and outstanding figures

"How strange, how did I end up talking to you about these things?" She forced a bitter smile; she and Shen Tu Rui were certainly not the kind of people who should confide in each other, but perhaps she had no other options.

Do you want to know? Shentu Rui smirked again, not hiding his intention to tease, "Would you like me to take you to have a look?"

Madman! Lan Dan pressed her lips together, refraining from uttering a curse.

His attitude towards his father left Lan Dan momentarily stunned; his father, Duke An Guo, had passed away nearly fifteen years ago. He is twenty-three this year, and saying he has never had a father seems rather cold-hearted. By the age of eight, one would have some memories of their father.

Before long, they arrived beneath the Dragon Wall. Shen Tu Rui dismounted and carried her down. Lan Dan, still shaken, pressed her hand against the white fur cloak on her chest, looking up through the snow curtain at the city tower and high walls that appeared even more imposing and heavy in the gloom.

What is there to be afraid of? Shen Tu Rui smiled with a meaning that was hard to decipher, making her feel angry. Indeed, what else was there for her to fear? She had already poisoned all those who could potentially anger the esteemed individuals. "If you don't go up now, there won't be another chance. After the New Year, it will be dismantled."

"I went to pay respects to my ancestors today, and I am indeed a bit tired." Shentu Rui leaned slightly to one side, and the attentive maid immediately brought over a high pillow to assist him in leaning back.

"Unfortunate." Shentu Rui's cold smile was far more sophisticated than hers, his expression unwavering yet imposing, instilling an inexplicable fear that chilled one to the core.

Due to her difficulty in walking, Shen Tu Rui wrapped his arm around her waist, sharing the weight of her body, which made the two appear particularly close. The guards stationed at the city gate saw the Prince of Yan and all bowed in greeting, stepping aside to clear the staircase passage.

Fortunately, this is not a difficult task for Shen Tu Rui, and it does not require a significant cost in exchange; she should be able to accomplish it

"How did you get someone to move the mirror?" Shen Tu Rui seemed to be unaware of the change in her expression, or perhaps he simply did not care, as he asked with great interest

You! Landan was somewhat angry; he actually spoke of her father, the emperor, in such a contemptuous tone. However, she found herself unable to scold him. If her father were still alive, would Shentu Rui dare to say such things?

She felt somewhat comforted; it was not only she who had been deceived, but also the entire city of Quandu and the whole world.

When my mood dips, my gaze also dims, the small teacup turns aimlessly at my fingertips, yet I no longer have the heart to take a sip.

The sudden revelation left Lan Dan astonished

This remark struck Lan Dan's heart, and she turned her face to glare at him. Why is she still the same as before? Hasn't she become this way because of him?

Shentu Rui seemed to be amused by her again, suddenly standing up and pulling her up as well, "Let's go, out the door"

The so-called Dragon Wall is a misunderstanding among the common people. On the side of the city tower facing the imperial city, there is a plaque that reads "Dinglong Gate." This outer wall of the imperial city, which was sealed by her father, the emperor, was casually referred to by the subjects as Dinglong Wall, and over time it was mistakenly transmitted as Dragon Wall.

Fortunately, the fate of the Great Min Kingdom was not yet exhausted. At that time, General Shen Tu Rongqing of Dingyuan received secret reports and learned of the invasion by the Northern Desert. He risked his life and, without waiting for the emperor's decree, took the initiative to mobilize troops and set out. Ultimately, he managed to block the Northern Desert army outside the imperial city, engaging in a bloody battle for three days, severely injuring the Northern Desert Khan Sa Ju, and forcing the Northern Desert to retreat, achieving a narrow victory. It is said that the midday gate of the imperial city bore the marks of the Northern Desert's siege. After my father, the emperor, returned with his troops, he had no choice but to expend enormous manpower and resources to replace the imperial city's main gate, which had a history of over one hundred years, and built the Dinglong Wall outside the midday gate.

"Who wants to be your ally!" Lan Dan's expression darkened; she hasn't agreed yet!

Lan Dan slowly sipped her hot tea, gazing at the heavy snow outside that resembled cotton fluff, unwilling to think of anything. She must have thought too much, too deeply, and too darkly, which is why she instinctively avoided it

Shentu Rui did not ride in a carriage, but instead led a fine steed, urging it to gallop swiftly. When the horse's hooves slipped and stumbled, he burst into hearty laughter. Lan Dan, frightened, shrank into his cloak, feeling cold even with her two layers of cloaks wrapped around her, and had no choice but to press close to him, drawing warmth from the slight heat of his chest

Shentu Rui is very quiet, without even a hint of expression

"I feel nothing," Shen Tu Rui said coldly, his smile gone. "I have been without a father since I was young"

The Emperor's feelings towards her should have been a taboo that should not be mentioned, yet he did not care and casually pressed for answers.

Shentu Rui must be a person who knows how to enjoy life. Although the Yan Wangfu is small, it is meticulously arranged in a way that is pleasing in every aspect. She discovered that the bedroom is connected to a small room, which only contains low tables, and she was puzzled about its purpose. It turns out that the large windows of the small room open up to a small garden. On such a bitterly cold day, with the heated kang warming the room, opening the window to admire the snow while sipping fragrant tea is truly a comfort that penetrates to the bones

Now? It's incredible, Landan, how it's snowing so heavily!

Shentu Rui was momentarily taken aback. Lan Dan probably still did not realize the immense power of her glance. Her stunningly beautiful appearance, combined with her icy demeanor and the youthful pout of grievance in her eyes, could almost shoot an invisible arrow straight to the heart. His heart jolted, and he found himself involuntarily coaxing her, saying: "I meant your temper; your temper has always been quite amusing."

Shentu Rui leaned against the pillow, silently listening to her speak

She did not resolutely turn her back; upon introspection, she still harbored selfish motives. She would eventually die, but before that, she hoped to make some slight amends to the relatives buried in the desolate grave, at least to provide them with a more decent resting place. With desires in her heart, one becomes less resolute.

This city wall is truly inauspicious and obstructs fortune. "It seems your father, the emperor, has indeed been frightened to the core by the Northern Desert, to the extent that he would dare to take such an ominous risk and build this wall."

Is his father not good to him? Does he favor his brother?

Who are they ... ... ? Lan Dan recalled the corpses that were transported to the mass grave, the burial ground expanded threefold. Hadn't the noble families and powerful clans been slaughtered to the last? Where could there be so many ladies left?

"What about you, how do you view your father, the emperor?" Shentu Rui smiled again, the earlier indifference vanished without a trace

"What do you think a father is?" she suddenly asked, her gaze hazily fixed on the feather-like snow outside the window

"When it is right in front of me, I can't help but take a look." Lan Dan said absentmindedly, speaking offhandedly

"Go, up there." Shentu Rui said with a hearty laugh, full of enthusiasm

Shentu Rui could not help but laugh again. In fact, her way of speaking has always been quite interesting, her complaints sharp and to the point, yet soft and low, possessing a certain dark humor. However, all along, no one has truly listened, including Shentu Cheng

The Dragon Wall is a complex existence for her father, Emperor Minding, embodying both shame and a sense of luck. Once constructed, no one was allowed to ascend it, not even he himself. Lan Dan has heard many whispers about the Dragon Wall; it is said that numerous geomancers claim this isolated wall, built later, has poor feng shui, obstructing the flow of dragon energy into the imperial city. It now seems... quite mysterious.

Shentu Rui was pouring tea for himself when he heard these words, and he smiled happily, spilling a few drops of tea. "You are indeed still the same as before."

Shentu Rui laughed heartily, "Now is the time! If it weren't for such heavy snow, I would have gone out already!"

Shentu Rui strode in from her bedroom, bringing with him a chill breeze, and casually sat down on the other side of the small table. He had not even removed his outer coat, and the splendidly embroidered noble attire he wore made him appear particularly regal and luxurious, with his features looking exceptionally refined.