Don't ask where people go

Chapter 1998 Flower Festival
"The people I want to see are all in this courtyard." Fang Zilan leaned back lazily in her chair, stretching out completely, and said with her eyes half-closed, "Out of sight, out of mind for the others."

"The others are fine," A-Wan stopped and wiped her sweat from her brow. "Why won't you even see Young Master Zhuge? What's going on?"

As she spoke, a silk handkerchief was thrown towards her. Fang Zilan, who threw the handkerchief, said casually, "If you don't want to see me, then don't. Why make up so many excuses?"

"Lord Fang, did you and Young Master Zhuge have a fight?" Cong Rong looked up from her embroidery and asked cautiously.

"No, that's not true." Fang Zilan yawned and changed the subject. "During your time in the capital, has anyone given you any trouble?"

Cong Rong thought for a moment and slowly said, "I'm fine, but it's Young Master Mo. The Empress Dowager wanted him to come to the palace before, but His Majesty refused."

"What does the Empress Dowager want with Young Master Mo?" Awan couldn't help but ask curiously. "And why would His Majesty help us?"

Fang Zilan narrowed her eyes. "It's probably the Empress Dowager's idea. She doesn't seem to have any good intentions, so naturally I'll avoid her if I can. As for His Majesty, I'm working for him in Qiluo City, so he has to keep an eye on people for me, right?"

"That's true." Awan nodded, flicked the silk handkerchief haphazardly, and changed the subject, "It's almost Double Ninth Festival, why haven't the chrysanthemums in our yard started to bloom?"

"We planted them when it was already summer, so we didn't expect them to bloom," Fang Zilan said. "It would be good if they survived. We'll see next year. We can go out and admire the chrysanthemums this Double Ninth Festival."

"Outside?" Awan frowned slightly, about to say something, when the steward walked in quickly. "Lord Fang, someone from the palace has come to deliver a letter."

"What kind of stationery should we send for the Double Ninth Festival?" Fang Zilan sat up straight and beckoned, "Let me see it."

The steward hurriedly handed over the letter and explained, "Someone from the palace said that because this year has not been very peaceful, the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager have requested to go to the temples outside the capital to pray for the capital on the Double Ninth Festival. They will set off tomorrow."

"Does His Majesty mean we should hold a banquet to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival?" Fang Zilan quickly scanned the contents of the letter. The steward nodded and said, "That's what the people from the palace mean. After all, the war was intense at the front during the Mid-Autumn Festival a while ago, and all the celebrations in the capital were suspended. Now that the world is at peace, we should celebrate properly."

"Okay, I understand." Fang Zilan casually placed the letter on the table. "Go and tell the person from the palace that I will definitely attend the banquet on time. Also, ask for me if relatives can be brought to the Double Ninth Festival banquet, and how many people can be brought. Make sure you know everything."

"Alright." The steward nodded in agreement, and then Fang Zilan said, "The people from the palace have worked hard. Don't forget to give them their reward money." After the steward left, Awan helped Deputy General Cao sit down. "In previous years, the Double Ninth Festival has never been organized in such a grand manner. Even the palace banquet was very simple."

Fang Zilan picked up her teacup, took a sip of water, and said happily, "It's so great to have festivals, banquets, fun activities, and appreciation. Why worry about so much?"

“I’ve noticed you’ve become quite carefree lately.” A-Wan picked up a melon seed, and Fang Zilan smiled. “After a few more brushes with death, I guarantee your heart will be even bigger than mine.”

"According to Lord Xu, those who have already died under the iron hooves of the Miluo River, from generals and soldiers to ordinary people, were their blood shed in vain?" Fang Zilan's voice was as cold as ice. She said, "Lord Xu's method only cares about the present. In the future, the country will be doomed to eternal damnation. How is it any different from drinking poison to quench thirst?"

Lord Xu took a step back after being told that, and most of the others in the hall were also timid and dared not step forward to offer advice. Only Fang Chongzheng raised his eyelids and looked at that resolute figure. He sighed inwardly, "As expected," feeling a mix of emotions that he couldn't quite describe.

Wei Mao stared intently at Fang Zilan, who stood tall and unyielding before them, a surge of heroic spirit welling up within him. He suppressed his emotions and looked away without revealing his feelings, his gaze briefly meeting that of Zhuge Ming on the other side. In that instant, they both read a tacit understanding of relief in each other's eyes.

The old foxes in the court, whether they were the peace advocates or the war advocates, all knew perfectly well that if no one stepped forward, they could only wait for General Shen from the Southeast Camp to arrive and delay the people of Miluo for a while, so that they could catch their breath and have some confidence in either peace or war.

But no matter how clever their schemes were, they needed General Shen to hold them off. Therefore, someone had secretly submitted a memorial earlier strongly recommending Wei Ang to go to the southern border. But once Wei Ang left the capital, who would control the camp outside the capital? It would undoubtedly fall into the hands of his brothers. Li Shengxuan knew that the Wei family was large and prone to internal strife, so even though Wei Ang had volunteered, he might not agree.

Aside from Wei Ang and the generals on the border who were untouchable, those who were capable and useful in battle included Xiahou Yunzhao from afar and Fang Zilan more recently. Li Shengxuan knew better than anyone how much blood and tears the Xiahou family had shed while guarding the old Baiyue territory, but how much better off could Fang Zilan, who was under strict guard and needed to request permission to enter the court?

Li Shengxuan didn't refuse to summon them, but rather dared not do so casually. In this perilous battle, unless one was prepared to die, any attempt to buy time for the court would be futile, merely a pointless sacrifice that would only increase losses.

Moreover, the people in the Ministry of Revenue practically had "we're broke and can't afford any more trouble" written all over their faces, so who would dare to act rashly? That's why these days, court meetings have resembled street squabbles. Fang Zilan's initiative to step forward relieved them.

Fang Zilan's expression sharpened. She withdrew her gaze from them and looked up at Li Shengxuan, saying loudly, "I know that the people of Miluo have come with ill intentions. One move could have far-reaching consequences. I dare not ask Your Majesty to grant me troops for a desperate battle. However, the military situation is urgent. If we cannot stop the offensive of the people of Miluo, I fear they may march straight towards the capital with unstoppable momentum. By then, it will be too late to say anything."

She paused, a slight smile curving her lips, a confident and carefree smile appearing on her face. "I, Fang Zilan, am not talented, but I am still the one who conquered Liujin City. Since I have been able to do what no general of the past has ever done, I would like to presume to do my part now and defend Qiluo City, buying His Majesty and the other officials ten or fifteen days."

After she finished speaking, she stopped smiling and solemnly knelt on one knee, saying, "I, Fang Zilan, am willing to sign a military pledge here, vowing to live and die with Qiluo City. If the city lives, I will live; if the city falls, I will perish."