When His Merits Threaten the Throne, the Empress Offers Herself in Marriage - Chapter 11:

Chapter 11: He Is of Great Use

The moment Jiang Mengxuan said the words “Fengsui Fortress,” Jiang Shangxian’s expression tightened.

He asked cautiously, “Your Majesty, how did you learn about Fengsui Fortress?”

Jiang Mengxuan crossed her legs and calmly said, “Imperial Uncle, what do you mean by that? Fengsui Fortress is part of our Great Chu Empire’s territory. Am I, as Empress, not allowed to know what happens on my own land?”

Jiang Shangxian quickly replied, “Your Majesty misunderstands. I only asked casually, I had no other intentions.”

Jiang Mengxuan said, “No need to be nervous, Imperial Uncle. Earlier, when I was reviewing the dossiers from the Imperial Guard, I happened to find Shen Lang’s record. Judging by the time of the Fengsui Fortress battle, it seems you were also stationed at the Bingzhou Military Camp then, right?”

Jiang Shangxian nodded, “Yes, Your Majesty. But that battle was so minor it barely warranted attention.”

Jiang Mengxuan said, “Since the time of the Grand Ancestor, the Great Chu Empire’s military has always had one rule: desertion in battle must be punished by death. Even after hundreds of years, and though military laws are no longer as strict, this particular law remains unchanged. No matter the reason, desertion warrants immediate execution. So why was it that of the hundred-man guard unit that went to battle, only Shen Lang returned, and he wasn’t punished at all? Is there some reason I don’t know?”

Jiang Shangxian’s expression turned uneasy as he replied, “Your Majesty, such things were quite common along the Bingzhou border. It has been years since then, and I’ve forgotten many details.”

Jiang Mengxuan said, “Forgotten? Imperial Uncle, weren’t all the personnel in the Imperial Guard recruited by you on my behalf? I know you are loyal to the Great Chu Empire and would never abuse your power by admitting anyone who might pose a threat. Also, I met Shen Lang today. His skills and decisiveness don’t match the profile of someone who would desert his comrades. I want to know what exactly happened at Fengsui Fortress. Why was Shen Lang the only one who returned alive to Bingzhou Military Camp?”

Jiang Shangxian frowned, “Your Majesty, do you truly wish for me to speak? This matter affects the face of our Court and army.”

Jiang Mengxuan said, “Imperial Uncle, I am the ruler of this empire. Am I not even allowed to know the hidden truths?”

Jiang Shangxian sighed and slowly began, “Your Majesty, this matter is complicated. What happened during the Fengsui Fortress battle affects far more than the loss of one fortress. It also concerns the prestige of our military. Two years ago, Bingzhou Military Camp received intelligence that a cavalry unit from the Northern Yan army intended to bypass the front lines and launch a surprise attack on Fengsui Fortress. From there, they would be able to strike at multiple locations across Bingzhou. General Li Zhongsi, upon receiving this intel, ordered the hundred-man guard unit, which Shen Lang was part of, to investigate.”

“But no one expected that over 10,000 Northern Yan troops were already lying in ambush near Fengsui Fortress. As soon as Shen Lang’s unit entered the area, they were surrounded and trapped. They held out for over a month.”

Jiang Mengxuan’s beautiful eyes narrowed. “Did the Bingzhou Military Camp not receive any reports during that time? What was the assignment level of the unit Shen Lang was in?”

Jiang Shangxian answered, “They were part of the elite Storm Thunder Camp. Except for Shen Lang, all members were fiercely loyal to the Great Chu Empire.”

Hearing that, Jiang Mengxuan stood up and asked, “Except for Shen Lang? Are you implying he lacked loyalty to the Great Chu Empire?”

“Yes… and no!” Jiang Shangxian’s answer was startling.

“Shen Lang once told me he joined the military only because he was sold by a human trafficker when he was young and had no choice. Even joining the Imperial Guard was just a way to survive. But…” At this point, Jiang Shangxian’s previously narrowed eyes suddenly gleamed sharply. “He would never betray the Empire over such unfair treatment.”

Seeing the solemn reverence on Jiang Shangxian’s face, Jiang Mengxuan could faintly sense there was more to the story.

“Imperial Uncle, continue.”

“Yes.” Jiang Shangxian cleared his throat and continued, “After a month without news from the Storm Thunder Camp, General Li considered sending troops to Fengsui Fortress to investigate. But right at that time, Northern Yan forces launched an attack on Huyang Pass, intending to strike directly at the Bingzhou Military Camp. General Li prioritized the overall situation and personally led troops to defend Huyang Pass, which meant the situation at Fengsui Fortress had to be put on hold.”

“Then, a month later, news came that Fengsui Fortress had fallen and all 100 soldiers of the Storm Thunder Camp had perished. Coincidentally, Northern Yan forces also retreated. That very night, Shen Lang, covered in blood, appeared back at the Bingzhou Military Camp.”

Jiang Mengxuan gently tapped her arm with her fingertip.

Something about it felt too coincidental.

Fengsui Fortress fell, Northern Yan forces withdrew, and Shen Lang returned to camp. Could all this really be just coincidence?

And what exactly was Northern Yan’s intention? Would they really commit to a confrontation at Bingzhou’s borders for the sake of a small fortress?

Jiang Shangxian continued, “After Shen Lang returned, he was brought before the main command tent by General Li for questioning. But after listening to his account, General Li stopped pressing him and never mentioned the battle again.”

“What did Shen Lang say?” Jiang Mengxuan pressed.

Jiang Shangxian lowered his head. “He said that, aside from himself, all the others in the Storm Thunder Camp had been bought off by Northern Yan. Their plan was to use Fengsui Fortress as a breakthrough point to coordinate with Northern Yan’s forces and launch a direct attack on the Bingzhou Military Camp. Shen Lang refused to betray the Empire and personally executed those comrades he’d lived and fought alongside for years.”

“He said that what he hated more than the enemy’s cruelty were the traitors who betrayed their comrades. No matter how close they had once been, he would never show mercy to traitors. In truth, he held the fortress alone for an entire month.”

“One man held a fortress alone?” Even with Jiang Mengxuan’s usual calm, she was stunned by what she heard.

Jiang Shangxian nodded. “That elite guard had already been bought off by Northern Yan two years prior. They had secretly established households across the border and even had wives and children waiting for them. Once Bingzhou Military Camp was breached, they intended to resign and reunite with their families. The evidence is solid—there’s even a shadow-recording stone as proof. It couldn’t have been faked.”

Jiang Mengxuan’s palm was damp with cold sweat.

Terrifying. If even elite troops could be bought off and infiltrated so deeply, what else could the enemy not do?

“As for how Shen Lang managed to hold Fengsui Fortress on his own for a month, he never spoke a word about it to anyone, not even me. I suppose that memory must be incredibly painful for him. Later, General Li Zhongsi discussed it with me, and we agreed not to trouble Shen Lang further. We also decided to remain silent about the betrayal of the 99 elite soldiers and told the outside world that they had died in battle to prevent demoralizing the army.”

“Since that battle, Shen Lang has remained in the background, never returning to the front lines. He only handles training within the military now…”

At this point, Jiang Shangxian suddenly knelt and cupped his hands, saying, “Your Majesty, I am willing to stake my life on this. Shen Lang may not have deep loyalty to our Great Chu Empire, but he will never betray it. He is of great use and can surely become Your Majesty’s most trusted aide in the future. I beg Your Majesty not to make things difficult for him!”

Jiang Mengxuan didn’t respond. She rested her cheek lightly against her hand on the imperial desk, deep in thought for the time it took to finish a cup of tea.

“Imperial Uncle, it’s getting late. You should return and rest. As for this matter, I will handle it accordingly.”

Jiang Shangxian’s heart sank.

This reply meant that the Empress did not yet fully trust Shen Lang.

But at this point, there was nothing more he could say. He could only rise, take his leave, and exit the Imperial City.

After Jiang Shangxian left, Jiang Mengxuan’s gaze returned to the name “Shen Lang” written on the dossier before her.

“Shen Lang, just what kind of man are you really? How should I use you?”

Unknowingly, Shen Lang’s name had already carved itself deeply into her heart.