The next day, Xiao Zheng received Prince Kang and his entourage in the council hall. The atmosphere was far less cordial than the night before, with the generals of Shuozhou standing with hands on their swords, their expressions stern. Had the imperial reinforcements arrived sooner, the battle would not have been so grueling.
"General Xiao, this prince comes bearing His Majesty's decree," Xiao Youcheng announced, unrolling the bright yellow edict.
"For your valiant efforts in reclaiming Shuozhou, a feat of great merit to the realm, His Majesty is immensely pleased. He bestows upon you a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of fine silk, a grand residence, and the title of Princess of Anding. Henceforth, you shall be honored as a member of the imperial clan, revered by the people, and receive tributes from all corners of the land. Such imperial favor is rare in all of history."
Xiao Zheng let out a cold laugh and took a step forward. "Your Highness, what use have I for empty titles? Shuozhou was won with the lives of my brothers. How could I abandon them now and face the dead with a clear conscience?"
Her gaze swept across the room. "Moreover, I have conditions. If the court agrees, I will lay down my arms and return to the capital. If not, Shuozhou remains under my guard."
Xiao Youcheng's expression shifted slightly, though he maintained a smile. "Speak freely, General Xiao."
"First, the soldiers who fought and bled on the battlefield must be justly rewarded. They risked their lives, charging into battle, their flesh and blood the only barrier against the Tartar invasion. Now, only their widows and orphans remain, weeping in grief. As their commander, it is my duty to demand fairness for those who lie buried in the earth. Compensation must be paid in full and without delay, so the families of the fallen may live in peace. Let their sacrifices not be in vain, lest the hearts of soldiers across the land grow cold."
Xiao Youcheng nodded. "That is only right."
"Second, the Xiao family has been loyal to the bone, with over a dozen lives spilled in Shuozhou. Xiao Huan, as the rightful heir of the Xiao lineage, must inherit the title of the Marquis's Mansion!"
At the mention of the Northwest Marquis, a shadow of grief and resolve flashed in Xiao Zheng's eyes.
Her grandfather had devoted his life to defending Shuozhou, a man of unwavering loyalty, only to be framed by traitors and meet a tragic end. This title was the last vestige of honor for the Marquis's Mansion—a promise she had made to him.
"And the third condition?"
"Third, there are villains in the court who collude with foreign enemies and scheme against the loyal. I demand the truth. I demand their heads, to avenge the Marquis's family and the unjustly slain soldiers of Shuozhou."
Xiao Youcheng pressed his lips together.
"This matter is grave. This prince must report to His Majesty before further discussion."
"Your Highness, there is one final condition. The military authority of the northwest must remain in my hands. Shuozhou lies on the frontier, while the imperial army is stationed far in the capital, making deployment cumbersome. Entrusting this power to me is for the sake of the people and the stability of the realm."
Her words rang with steel, her grip tightening around the hilt of her sword. This military authority was her foundation in these turbulent times.
A heavy silence fell over the hall.
"General Xiao, you must know that since ancient times, no woman has ever held military authority. Now that the northwestern conflict has subsided, the Tartars will likely not dare provoke us for another decade. At the bloom of your youth, why waste it in the harsh wilderness of the northwest?"
Xiao Zheng smiled faintly.
"Does Prince Kang believe me unworthy of this authority? Or do you fear I might declare myself sovereign and turn against Great Yuan?"
Xiao Youcheng hastily waved a hand. "This prince means no such thing. But traditions are difficult to overturn. To defy the conventions of the world would place His Majesty in a most delicate position."
Xiao Zheng arched a brow, her gaze icy. "Your Highness is mistaken. Had I not led these soldiers to resist the Tartars with our lives, how much of Great Yuan's territory would have been lost? And now you speak to me of traditions?"
Xiao Youcheng let out a sigh.
