Female Consort Chapter 75: Tension

“What’s stopping us, Your Majesty? What are you afraid of?” Qiu Che stared straight at him, her voice steady. “Afraid we’ll lose the war?”

“You make it sound so easy!” Li Shi sneered, his tone filled with bitterness. “The national treasury is already empty. Troops need food, clothes, weapons, every bit of it costs silver. And where is that silver supposed to come from? Do you have a solution?”

Qiu Che replied calmly, “From what I’ve seen, the ministers of this court don’t exactly appear to be struggling.”

Li Shi paused for a moment.

Qiu Che smiled. “At a time when the nation teeters on the edge of ruin, everyone in the court should pull together. If each of the ministers contributed some of their personal wealth to replenish the treasury, surely we could at least scrape together enough for military pay?”

“…Even if we could fight,” Li Shi still frowned, “Prince Zhao is nearing sixty. Among all the generals in court, how many still command both respect and competence? Maybe not even two. Who exactly do you want me to send? And if we do fight, how can you guarantee we’ll win?”

It was, admittedly, a fair concern.

Li Shi might not be the wisest or most capable emperor, but his hesitation wasn’t entirely unfounded.

Qiu Che fell silent for a brief moment.

“Peace talks remain the best option. Only through a political marriage can we minimize Great Xia’s losses,” Li Shi said coldly. “I don’t want to stir up more unrest, and I believe the court feels the same.”

“I disagree.”

The doors of the throne hall swung open.

The Empress Dowager strode in briskly, followed by two quiet and deferential palace maids. Her stunning face was frosted with cold disdain.

Li Shi stood up, surprise and irritation flickering across his brows. “Mother? Why are you here?”

“If I hadn’t come, would you have gone ahead and decided to send Pingyi and Lehe off on your own?”

The Empress Dowager rarely opposed the Emperor so directly. Her face was stern as she spoke. “The late Emperor spent decades on military campaigns so our people could live safely on this land. The people of Pingyi and Lehe are also citizens of Great Xia. Or are they somehow less worthy?”

Li Shi clearly didn’t appreciate her bluntness. He coughed wearily and sank back into his seat. “Mother… you don’t understand. Let me handle this.”

“Have you asked Pingyi and Lehe what they think?” The Empress Dowager stepped closer, her brows drawn tight. “If they had no objection, neither would I. But you say I don’t understand? In my view, you’re the one who’s lost all reason!”

Li Shi’s face darkened. “Mother… please watch your words.”

Being emperor was beginning to feel like a cruel joke. Why did it seem like everyone could scold him to his face?

Fuzi, standing nearby, looked troubled. He kept his head down, eyes focused on nothing, pretending not to hear any of this.

The Empress Dowager spoke icily, “If the emperor himself can’t think clearly, then why ask me to hold my tongue?”

Li Shi was fuming.

But with these two, there was little he could do for the moment. He changed tactics, feigning a heavy sigh, like a man backed into a corner.

“Mother, it’s not that I lack courage. But as sovereign, I must weigh gains against losses. A war is too great a risk…”

“And how can you be so certain that a marriage alliance will succeed?” the Empress Dowager suddenly interrupted.

Li Shi was momentarily speechless.

Qiu Che, standing off to the side, lowered her eyes and smiled faintly, playing the role of the quiet observer.

Li Shi wracked his brain. “There’s a saying, ‘Diplomacy before war.’ If marriage diplomacy fails, we can always go to war later. A delay might even ease the burden on the people…”

He hesitated, then added in a lower voice, “Besides, daughters will eventually be married off anyway.”

Though he tried to soften his tone, likely for the Empress Dowager’s sake, the arrogance in his words was unmistakable, enough to make Qiu Che’s fists clench.

“They’re not as clever as men, most can’t read, they’re weak. Even if they stayed in Great Xia, it would only be to bear children and continue the family line. That’s something many women can do. Being chosen for a marriage alliance is a blessing for them.”

There were so many problems with this statement that Qiu Che didn’t even know where to begin.

The Empress Dowager sat down gracefully in the grand chair offered by her maid. Her tone was calm.

“By your own words, women are physically frail. The princesses, born into privilege, have never endured hardship. If they’re sent off and die from mistreatment, what happens then? The tribes of Northern Xiongnu or Southern Yi could easily twist it and claim we sent someone unsuitable, then what?”

Li Shi hesitated. “Then what is Mother’s suggestion?”

“I’ve heard the King of Southern Yi has a taste for young men…” The Empress Dowager spoke leisurely, lifting a teacup handed to her. “Instead of sending a princess, why not send a prince? Men are stronger, better able to defend themselves, and less likely to die en route. A marriage alliance requires a long journey, surely a man is better suited for that.”

The court eunuchs and maids all subtly looked up, exchanging glances. A few even seemed to find the logic oddly convincing.

Li Shi couldn’t bear it anymore. His face flushed with shame. “Mother! This is no laughing matter! A prince and a princess are not the same. I only have two sons left, would you have me die without an heir?”

Accusing the Empress Dowager of endangering the imperial line was no small charge.

The air in the hall grew taut with tension, but the faint murmuring among the courtiers died away into silence.

The Empress Dowager appeared unfazed. “What a grand accusation you’ve thrown at me.”

Her voice turned frosty. “The late Emperor built this empire with blood and sweat. When I held power, it was still intact. But after just a few years in your hands, it’s come to this, sending royal daughters away to beg the enemy for mercy. Truly disappointing. If your father could see this, he wouldn’t be able to rest in peace.”

“Do not push me too far, Mother,” Li Shi’s voice chilled, his teeth gritted. “Lest you forget, it was I who raised you to your current position.”

The Empress Dowager lifted her chin slightly, expression unreadable. “And you seem to have forgotten who placed you on that throne. One should never forget where they come from.”

The verbal sparring continued, neither side willing to give an inch. The tension in the hall was thick enough to cut.

Li Shi was clearly losing ground, coughing with a reddened face, increasingly flustered.

“…Even if you can persuade me, can you persuade the court?” he snapped. “If we don’t arrange a marriage, we must go to war. I doubt many ministers would support that.”

Before he could finish, a young eunuch entered and bowed. “Your Majesty, Prime Minister Wu and Prince Zhao request an audience.”

Li Shi brightened. Wu Xiang might be his political rival, but he was a scholar. A war would not benefit him, surely he’d support the marriage alliance.

Then Li Shi frowned. Prince Zhao was supposed to have returned to his domain by now. Why had he come back?

“Let them in.”

The argument came to a natural halt.

When Wu Xiang and Prince Zhao entered, they kept a respectful distance from each other, each pretending the other didn’t exist.

After bowing, Li Shi addressed Wu Xiang, “Prime Minister, you’ve come at a good time. Northern Xiongnu grows increasingly aggressive. I intend to arrange a marriage alliance and send a princess north. What do you think?”

Wu Xiang glanced at Qiu Che, who stood quietly to the side. But before he could reply, Prince Zhao spoke up:

“Your Majesty, I do not think it is wise.”

Li Shi silently cursed, ignoring Prince Zhao and turning back to Wu Xiang. “And you, Prime Minister?”

Wu Xiang gathered himself. “I, too, believe it is unwise.”

Li Shi’s expression darkened immediately.

He hadn’t expected him to object as well.

Qiu Che’s fingers curled slightly at her side. She was just as surprised. In her eyes, Wu Xiang was practically a traitor, anyone who could collude with the Southern Yi had long since forsaken any loyalty to the nation.

Could she have misjudged him?

She frowned faintly, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Wu Xiang bowed and continued with composure, ignoring Prince Zhao’s appraising gaze. “The southern and northern tribes both eye us hungrily. Constant retreat will not satisfy them. Rather than sacrifice a princess and alienate the people, it would be better to meet force with force.”

“…I second the motion,” Prince Zhao added, eyeing Wu Xiang with a complicated expression.

“I second it as well,” Qiu Che echoed.

Li Shi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Fine… if you’re all against the marriage alliance, then tell me, who will lead our forces? Who will command the army?”

The hall fell silent. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts.

A flicker of hesitation passed through Prince Zhao’s eyes.

Qiu Che could see he was weighing whether this broken court was worth one last fight.

At last, just as he stepped forward, 

Li Shi turned to Qiu Che, his tone unexpectedly calm. “Minister Qiu.”

Qiu Che paused almost imperceptibly, then stepped forward. “Yes, Your Majesty?”

“You must know that your return was the will of the people. I’ve heard them shouting lately, saying things like, “'Who says women are inferior to men', and that your achievements are no less than those of Prime Minister Wu... I also heard that you know martial arts, is that true?"

A few months ago, there was a farce with the prince and his group in Linglong Pavilion, and Qiu Che knew that she could not hide the fact that she knew martial arts.

She guessed what the emperor wanted to say, but still said: "Your Majesty, please tell me clearly."

Li Shi snorted and laughed: "Now there are very few people who can be used in the court, and they are all mediocre. Only my dear Qiu has repeatedly brought me 'surprises'..."

Qiu Che: "..."

If I heard correctly, the word "surprise" should have been said with gritted teeth.

"Since none of you agree to the marriage, then let Lord Qiu take the lead and go to the northern border to fight in the north of the mountains... What do you think of this idea?" The Queen

Mother frowned and was the first to object: "It's inappropriate."

"Your Majesty," King Zhao said immediately, "I also think it's inappropriate. Lady Qiu has no experience in leading troops. Even if she has martial arts skills, she is still a woman. If I let her lead the troops, I'm afraid she won't be able to convince the crowd... I have been behind the scenes for a long time, but I am still strong and can take on this task."

"Your Highness, you are worrying too much," Wu Shi glanced over with a half-smile, "His Majesty has also said so, and the people all say so, when women become powerful, their abilities can be comparable to men. Since she is a woman in the officialdom, she is an unprecedented example, and naturally she must do what she should do. Does your Highness Prince Zhao disagree with Lord Qiu's ability?"

Prince Zhao looked back coldly, thinking that this was indeed the Prime Minister Wu he was familiar with: "Why do you have to take my words out of context, Prime Minister? You know that I don't mean that."

Wu Xiang said, "I am not a worm in your stomach, you don't know what your Highness means."

"Alright!" Li Shi interrupted their argument, "It's settled that Qiu Che will lead the troops, which proves that what the people said is true. I believe Qiu Che, you won't have the heart to disappoint the people, right?"

Seeing Qiu Che remained silent, Li Shi was afraid that she would go crazy because of dissatisfaction with the arrangement, and quickly added a few more sentences:

"If you can return victoriously, it will be a great achievement. I will promote you to the second-rank Minister of Rites. This is a unique honor not only among women, but also in the court and the public. If you are worried, I will draft an edict now and hand it to the Queen Mother. When you return victorious, you can be appointed by edict. How about it?"

Another promotion over the rank.

In less than a year, Qiu Che's promotion speed is far faster than others.

Qiu Che thought about it and reacted calmer than others: "Your Majesty is right. I will follow your Majesty's arrangements... But there is one more thing I would like to ask for your approval."

"Speak."

"I don't want to divorce Her Royal Highness the Princess," Qiu Che said this again in front of several people, "After I leave Beijing, I hope Your Majesty can hand over the Qiu family case and the former Imperial Guard Commander case to Her Royal Highness the Princess..."

That's right, these two cases have not been closed yet.

If the people's attention is turned to the war, I'm afraid the Qiu family will be rescued by someone with ulterior motives again.

The longer the night, the more dreams there are. We must first hold the right of choice in our own hands.

"Lord Qiu," Prime Minister Wu raised his eyebrows slightly, "

There has never been an example of a princess as regent in ancient and modern times." "In ancient and modern times, there has never been an example of a woman in charge of the Qiu family, and there has never been an example of a woman as regent before Qiu."

Qiu Che looked back calmly, "Since women are going to fight on the battlefield like men, we can't just let ourselves suffer the same hardships as men. Women should also have the same rights as men."

"Everything needs a 'precedent' before it can become a 'custom.' Wouldn't you agree, Lord Wu?"

Minister Wu was momentarily speechless. Then he forced a laugh and conceded, "Lord Qiu, you certainly have a way with words. I must admit I pale in comparison, truly impressive."

Qiu Che, unaffected by his sarcasm, simply nodded and replied, "You're too kind."

Prince Zhao had never seen a civil official who could make Wu Xiang yield, regardless of whether it was in words or otherwise. He couldn't help but give Qiu Che another look.

On the high seat, Emperor Li glanced at Wu Xiang retreating so easily, cursing him inwardly while keeping a mild expression on his face. He sighed, "In that case, we'll go with what Lord Qiu suggested."

If Qiu Che could return triumphant, it would benefit Great Xia.

And if she died on the battlefield, none of this would matter anyway.

He had half expected Qiu Che to request taking Li Qingwu with her, which he absolutely would not have allowed.

Previously, he’d found their relationship outrageous and infuriating. But now, it might actually work to his advantage.

Li Qingwu had become a new leverage point to keep Qiu Che in check.

If she left with Qiu Che, then Qiu Che would truly have no ties holding her back, what if she defected to another nation?

When Qiu Che knelt to thank him for the imperial decree, Emperor Li finally relaxed. Then he turned to Prince Zhao and said:

"It seems Prince Zhao has the same aspirations? I won’t stop you. You’re older now, and no longer suited for direct battle. Why not go as an honorary military advisor? Accompany the army and offer Lord Qiu some guidance."

At this point, it was clear that Qiu Che would be leading the troops, and Prince Zhao no longer objected. He promptly knelt to accept the decree. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I shall do my utmost to fulfill your expectations."

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn as the emperor swiftly issued three edicts: one conferred an official title to the Empress Dowager, one for Qiu Che, and one for Prince Zhao.

"Your Majesty."

Cui Wenshen suddenly appeared, looking somewhat perplexed.

Startled, Emperor Li asked, "What is it now?"

Cui Wenshen hesitated for a moment, then leaned in to whisper a few words.

The emperor raised an eyebrow. "The Wu family's young one wants to go too?"

Wu Xiang’s eyelid twitches.

Cui Wenshen, realizing the emperor had said it aloud on purpose, understood the message and nodded, speaking more clearly, "He asked me to petition Your Majesty on his behalf. He wishes to prove himself on the battlefield."

Wu Xiang's beard trembled. Qiu Che shot him a sidelong glance, guessing he had swallowed back a curse.

The emperor gave Wu Xiang a thoughtful look.

Then, he suddenly burst into hearty laughter. "Excellent! What a fine young man. Such ambition deserves recognition. If he wants to go, then let him go! I shall appoint him Deputy General of the Northern Campaign. Let him earn his merit! Work hard, I have high hopes for him!"

Cui Wenshen replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Wu Yiqi, as the Wu family's only heir, heading to the battlefield meant Wu Xiang’s position at court would be further constrained.

For Emperor Li, this was an ideal outcome, he had no reason to oppose it.

And so, out of everyone involved in the conversation, the most satisfied person turned out to be Emperor Li.

As they exited the hall, the Empress Dowager sighed quietly.

Passing by Qiu Che, out of sight of the others, she moved her lips ever so slightly.

"Go without worry. I will look after the capital."

Qiu Che brushed past her.

It was snowing heavily that day.

By the time Qiu Che returned to the Princess’s residence, the sun was already setting. Just as she entered, she saw Madam Wang being escorted in by Yu Ming.

Having not seen her daughter for days, Madam Wang's eyes welled up the moment she laid eyes on her. She held Qiu Che tightly and cried for a long time, until Qiu Che had no choice but to gently pull her away.

"Mother, I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I?"

Wiping her tears, Madam Wang hesitated as if she had more to say, but eventually shook her head and let the maid help her back to rest.

Qiu Che didn’t tell her mother about the upcoming campaign, though news of it would likely spread soon.

Once inside the main chamber, she saw Li Qingwu sitting at the edge of the bed, staring absently at the stove and fiddling with a handkerchief.

A single lotus flower, delicate and vivid, was embroidered on one corner of the fabric.

"What are you thinking about?" Qiu Che asked with a smile. "I came in and you didn’t even notice."

Li Qingwu blinked back to awareness and looked up. "...Yao Tai."

Qiu Che paused.

But Li Qingwu quickly changed the subject. "What did the emperor say to you?"

Qiu Che didn’t answer right away.

She took off her fox fur cloak and handed it to Fu Ling to take away. After shutting the door and adding more charcoal to the stove, she finally said, "It’s about the marriage alliance with the Northern Xiongnu."

Li Qingwu tensed. "What was decided?"

"The Empress Dowager argued with him. Wu Xiang opposed it too."

Qiu Che didn’t look at her and instead stared into the flames. Her voice was soft. "He gave up... but he wants me to lead the troops north."

Li Qingwu froze.

In that moment, it all made sense. The anxiety, the unease, this was it. Qiu Che was leaving again.

"...Can I go with you?"

"Probably not."

Silence.

When Qiu Che didn’t hear a reply, she looked up and started to speak. "I’m sorry. In that situation, I couldn’t refuse..."

"I understand," Li Qingwu said softly, eyes downcast.

The kingdom was in chaos, a fragile nation on the brink once more. Qiu Che stood at its center, a key figure under scrutiny. It was impossible for her not to be affected.

After a long pause, Qiu Che asked gently, "Are you angry?"

Li Qingwu tilted her head. "Do you want me to be?"

"No," Qiu Che chuckled.

She continued, "I’ve asked His Majesty to put both the Qiu family case and Yuan Fu’s case in your hands. Please help me investigate who accused me of abducting a civilian girl, and who let Yuan Fu into the hunting grounds. I may not have time to see justice done."

"You’re leaving that soon?" Couldn’t she wait until after Yao Tai’s funeral?

"The border won’t wait. His Majesty gave me the Tiger Tally. I must depart within three days at the latest."

Another moment of silence. "I understand."

Qiu Che sighed and approached her. She bent down, reaching out as if to touch her head, but instead brushed her cheek lightly with the back of her hand.

"Qingwu... I don’t think I’ve told you this before, but you did very well."

"So even if I leave now, I know you can take up my role. Hold the capital for me. I believe in you."

"I don’t believe in myself," Li Qingwu murmured, taking her hand and holding it tightly. "You have no idea what I’ve gone through while you were away. Qiu Che, you always say you’re no gentleman, just a petty person. But I can see clearly, you do care about this country. Sometimes... I even wonder if that letter was just my imagination."

Qiu Che blinked. "What letter?"

Was she talking about the one she sent with Liu Buxiu the day she was imprisoned?

"In your plans, I’m never really part of them," Li Qingwu said quietly, her gaze tinged with sadness. "You went behind all our backs to blow your own cover before, and now you're marching off to war... again."

"You once said I was your ally."

"But you’ve never really treated me like one."

"That’s not true." Qiu Che hadn’t expected her to feel this way. She knelt, flustered. "Before, I kept things from you because I didn’t want you to be threatened because of me. This time... I really didn’t see it coming."

"I see you as my wife," she said softly, licking her lips. "That’s why my first instinct is always to keep you safe."

This time, it was Li Qingwu who was stunned.

After a moment, she took a deep breath, her voice soft and trembling, "Then... can you, even just once, put me before your country, before the people, just think about how I feel?"

"Can you, at the very least, tell me before you make decisions like this, so I won’t be left in the dark?"

Qiu Che paused. "You're right. I was wrong. Next time, I won’t, "

Before she could finish, Li Qingwu interrupted, "I don’t want an apology. I want action."

Qiu Che understood, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "...Then how should I make it up to you?"

The two locked eyes for a long moment. Li Qingwu tugged her finger gently and whispered, "Kiss me."

Qiu Che obeyed without hesitation, bracing herself on the bed and leaning in.

Li Qingwu looped an arm around her neck, breathing softly between kisses, her reddened eyes laced with sultriness.

Her other hand, however, grew rather bold.

Qiu Che pressed down on it through her robes, voice husky, "...Your Highness, are you trying to have sex in broad daylight?"

Li Qingwu had mustered all her courage to hint at her desires. She hadn’t expected Qiu Che to be so tactless.

Flushing, she bit her lip and snapped, "It’s already dusk."

Hardly “daylight” sex.

Qiu Che parted his lips and teeth in pain, staring at her with a bright look and said: "You said it."

Li Qingwu blushed and said "hmm" when she felt dizzy and was pressed down on the bed by Qiu Che.

Before she could react, Qiu Che kissed her again, blocking all her noises.

Unlike the first time when she was confused and lustful, Qiu Che was extremely gentle this time.

But he was still lingering.

"You've read the letter, don't you have anything to say?"

"...What?"

"...Do you have those memories? I mean, about your previous life."

"...Rather than memories, it's more like a dream."

"I understand. That means you have it."

"...Can you not say that at this time?"

"Oh, what should I say?" "

For example..." "

For example?"

"I like you."

The room was silent for a long time.

In a daze, Li Qingwu heard Qiu Che chuckle, and then leaned over and kissed her teardrop mole at the end of her eye.

She seemed to like kissing this mole very much.

Li Qingwu looked at the bed curtains above her head and thought unconsciously.

Then she heard Qiu Che say.

"Me too."