Zhao Shutong's movements as she warmed the wine were extremely skilled. All the utensils were gilded silver items exclusive to the imperial court. Hundreds of White Deer Iron Cavalry were stationed not far away, and a ring of elite assassins from the Caiyi Pavilion, dressed in black skirts, surrounded the pavilion. Lin Zhao saw this but didn't say much. The court of the Great Shang dynasty had always been a treacherous place with intertwined factions. Even the Great Shang imperial family was divided into three major factions: Prince Jixian, Zhao Shutong, and Empress Dowager He. Among them, Prince Jixian commanded the Xiuyi Pavilion, led by Cao Ying, responsible for all intelligence and assassination missions required by Prince Jixian. Zhao Shutong, in addition to commanding fifty thousand extremely elite White Deer Iron Cavalry, had also personally established the legendary intelligence organization, the Caiyi Pavilion. The loyalty of these Caiyi Pavilion assassins to Zhao Shutong was unquestionable, as was her shrewdness and strategic thinking.
"Marshal Lin, please take a seat."
Zhao Shutong said with a smile as she warmed the wine, "Sit down and talk."
"Mm."
After Lin Zhao sat down, an assassin from the Caiyi Pavilion brought out some accompanying dishes. They were all imperial delicacies, prepared with exquisite skill. Even ordinary chicken feet were filled with a refreshing fragrance. However, Lin Zhao's mind was not on the food. He quickly scanned the biographies of the major imperial family members of the Great Shang dynasty recorded on the official website, which included information about this Grand Princess Zhao Shutong.
Zhao Shutong was the elder sister of the current Emperor Zhao Jingheng, born of the same mother. At the tender age of ten, she was already stunningly beautiful, hailed as the most beautiful woman in the palace, and deeply cherished by her father. After the previous emperor's death, with the consent of her mother, Empress Dowager He, Zhao Shutong supported her young brother's ascension to the throne. She didn't have many trump cards. Before his death, her father had entrusted her with fifty thousand White Deer Iron Cavalry, fearing internal strife within the palace. Zhao Shutong had indeed not disappointed her father; with the fifty thousand White Deer Iron Cavalry protecting the capital, she, along with her mother Empress Dowager He and her uncle Prince Jixian Zhao Qiyang, successfully helped her younger brother Zhao Jingheng ascend the throne.
However, after Zhao Jingheng's enthronement, the covert struggles within the Great Shang imperial family resumed. To counterbalance Zhao Shutong and to seize control of the fifty thousand White Deer Iron Cavalry, Prince Jixian Zhao Qiyang and Empress Dowager He conspired together, deciding to arrange a grand marriage for Zhao Shutong. The groom-to-be was Prince Jixian's nephew, General Zhennan Feng Hai. Once Feng Hai became Zhao Shutong's husband, he would significantly dilute Zhao Shutong's military authority, and she would then become a pawn on the chessboard of Prince Jixian and Empress Dowager He.
But who would have thought that this Grand Princess would break through to the Eleventh Realm, becoming a veritable Eleventh Realm Sword Immortal, the day before her wedding? This was a rare occurrence within the Great Shang imperial family of the Zhao lineage. On the night of the wedding, the groom Feng Hai died suddenly of illness. The imperial physicians diagnosed his death as a sudden cardiac arrest, and the truth remained unknown.
But ever since that incident, no one dared to mention arranging a marriage for Zhao Shutong again. Uncle Zhao Qiyang's relationship with Zhao Shutong officially disintegrated and was no longer what it once was. Even Zhao Shutong's relationship with her birth mother, Empress Dowager He, gradually grew distant.
Therefore, Lin Zhao understood very clearly that this stunningly beautiful imperial woman, while warming wine for him, possessed a level of scheming and strategic thinking that should not be underestimated. Otherwise, he might inadvertently become a pawn on her chessboard.
"Marshal Lin."
Zhao Shutong poured wine for Lin Zhao and said with a smile, "Try our White Emperor City's Apricot Blossom Wine. It's very mellow."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Lin Zhao did not hesitate, accepted the wine cup, and drank it in one gulp. The taste was indeed rich and mellow. Although it couldn't compare to the peerless quality of Dongting Purple Bamboo Wine, it had its own unique flavor. He smiled and said, "It is indeed good wine."
Zhao Shutong smiled and nodded.
Lin Zhao ate the side dishes and savored the wine, not in a hurry to speak, nor did he ask why Zhao Shutong had sought him out. Someone was more anxious than him; if he appeared too eager, he would immediately lose ground in the eyes of this "extraordinary woman," Zhao Shutong.
"Marshal Lin."
Zhao Shutong finally couldn't help it. Her delicate lips parted slightly, and she said softly, "After Marshal Lin's reincarnation, you returned to the Snow Region Heavenly Lake and led renowned northern generals of the human race like Zuo Zhi, Mu Sha, and Chu Yu in winning numerous battles against the demon race. Although the court kept it secret, my Caiyi Pavilion has meticulously recorded every detail, every event. Both I and His Majesty are aware of Marshal Lin's achievements."
"Your Highness."
Lin Zhao put down his chopsticks, stood up, and cupped his fists gently. "Lin Zhao acts not for himself, but for the countless soldiers who shed blood fighting demons in the Snow Region Heavenly Lake. I thank Your Highness for your concern. However... Your Highness, it's not enough to just speak empty words. The Snow Region Heavenly Lake has been lacking in weapons, equipment, and provisions for more than a day. If the Great Shang truly remembers the merits of us border generals, they should allocate more provisions and equipment to support us."
Zhao Shutong covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "Shutong has noted it."
She pursed her red lips and said softly, "Marshal Lin, you are the commander-in-chief of our human race's armies, and the true marshal of our Great Shang. Has Marshal Lin ever considered returning to the imperial court, to have a seat there, and to be ranked among the dukes and ministers?"
"Never thought about it."
Lin Zhao frowned and smiled. "Lin Zhao is merely a rough man. How could I have such grand ambitions to think about becoming a general or a marquis? Moreover, Lin Zhao is naturally lazy. A hundred years ago, I only took on the responsibility of marshal because I had no choice. Fortunately, by chance, I did not fail my mission. Now, I am even more anxious and unsettled. What Lin Zhao desires is merely to fight demons in the Snow Region Heavenly Lake, so as not to disappoint Mr. Qin and Marshal Chu who have already passed away."
"Indeed..."
Zhao Shutong's eyes reddened slightly. "Mr. Qin was a Confucian Sage who sacrificed his own Great Dao for the land of our human race... Although Marshal Chu Huaixi was a subordinate of the Great Chen Dynasty, his actions were worthy of the title of the foremost general of the Northern human race. Shutong was shallow for attempting to confine Marshal Lin within the narrow confines of the court and family affiliations. I apologize."
Lin Zhao looked up at her. This woman was truly formidable. Her words were like a gentle breeze, yet she conveyed everything that needed to be said, hitting the nail on the head. It was indeed not easy to make unpleasant words sound so pleasant. Lin Zhao smiled and said, "It's alright. The past is the past. Your Highness came out of the city late at night to see me, surely not just to say these few words?"
"Naturally not."
Zhao Shutong gave a light smile and sat gracefully and calmly in front of Lin Zhao. She didn't look like a 27-year-old imperial widow at all; instead, her youthful aura was even more pronounced. She looked up at Lin Zhao and said with a smile, "In the current Great Shang, military power is divided into two: the Northern Marshal and the Southern Marshal. Great Overseer Li Chunyang commands the three northern prefectures and the marshals of the six garrisons, guarding the northern gateway of Great Shang. Great Overseer Yue Wen Hao commands the military forces of the three southern prefectures, guarding the southern gateway of Great Shang. The situation in the capital is equally complex. To put it bluntly, if His Majesty were to launch a northern expedition one day, even if an imperial decree were issued, the entire nation's armed forces might not necessarily be mobilized."
Lin Zhao smiled. This was the internal affairs of the Great Shang Dynasty, and he had no right to interfere.
Seeing that Lin Zhao did not speak, Zhao Shutong felt a slight disappointment. "Marshal Lin, in truth, His Majesty and I deeply hope that you will return to the imperial court. The court of Great Shang needs an authority like you. Lin Baiyi of the Snow Region Heavenly Lake, who else is more suitable to preside over the capital than you?"
Lin Zhao couldn't help but laugh. "Your Highness clearly understands that this is impossible. Even if I were willing to go to the court of White Emperor City, how many people would obstruct me, preventing me from going? The affairs of the Great Shang Dynasty should be resolved by the Great Shang Dynasty. It is truly inappropriate for an outsider like me to interfere. If Your Highness intends to enlist the Snow Region Heavenly Lake as an external force, abandon this idea as soon as possible. As long as I preside over the Snow Region Heavenly Lake for one day, the army of the Snow Region Heavenly Lake will only fight the four northern tribes and will never participate in the internal power struggles of the human race."
Although Zhao Shutong did not get the answer she wanted, she at least knew that Lin Zhao would not stand with Li Chunyang, Zhao Qiyang, Wen Hao, or others. Especially Wen Hao, who was Shi Hu, whom Lin Zhao had regarded as a younger brother a hundred years ago. If Lin Zhao were willing to stand with Wen Hao, then the power of the Southern Marshal would inevitably grow, and with the efforts of Duke Juyang Lin Yan, Marquis Chun'an Zhang Yuyan, and others, the situation in the Great Shang court might become one-sided.
She pursed her red lips and said softly, "Shutong does not seek Marshal Lin to stand on Shutong's side, nor has she ever intended to treat Marshal Lin as a pawn. As long as Marshal Lin is willing to stand on the side of the human race, it is enough for Shutong. However, Marshal Lin, rest assured, you can confidently send people to White Emperor City to handle matters of requesting provisions and supplies. Shutong will mediate on your behalf in the court. I cannot guarantee complete success, but at least I can strive for something for the Snow Region Heavenly Lake."
"Thank you!"
Lin Zhao cupped his fists and nodded, this time truly grateful.
"Marshal Lin."
Zhao Shutong parted her delicate lips and said, "Does Marshal Lin have any suggestions for the Great Shang Dynasty? Please speak frankly."
"Yes."
Lin Zhao finally seized this opportunity and said eloquently, "The thousand li distance between the Snow Range and the Fusang Great Wall is vast, with abundant spiritual energy. It could have been well utilized. However, the Great Shang's fear of the four northern tribes has reached an exaggerated degree. Even with the Snow Region Heavenly Lake and eleven Zhenjian Towers standing in the north, you still dare not advance northward. This is unacceptable; it is equivalent to handing over a large expanse of mountainous and watery resources to the four northern tribes."
"What does Marshal Lin think should be done?" Zhao Shutong asked with a smile.
Lin Zhao sat up straight and said, "The Mountain and Sea Division of the Great Shang Dynasty is not just for show. They should have dispatched cultivators from the Mountain and Sea Division to survey the terrain northward long ago, incorporating the area from the Snow Range to the Fusang Great Wall, along with the Xiujian River, into the territorial map of the Great Shang Dynasty. For those peaks and rivers, those that should be conferred deities should be conferred. The eighty million heroic souls of the Xia tribe are still resisting the demon race in this land. If the Great Shang Dynasty confers the outstanding among them as mountain and river deities, it will not only consolidate the land but also appease the hearts of the people, preventing them from thinking that the Great Shang Dynasty has no magnanimity beyond power struggles."
"This..."
Zhao Shutong chuckled upon hearing this. She slowly stood up, lifting her chest high, and cupped her fists, saying softly, "Marshal Lin, please rest assured. If the men of the Great Shang Zhao clan cannot uphold this magnanimity, I, Zhao Shutong, will do so. Marshal Lin's suggestion aligns perfectly with my intentions. Shutong will undoubtedly overcome all opposition and strive to promote this matter."
"Mm."
Lin Zhao nodded and smiled. "Since that is the case, thank you!"
He packed his belongings, the northern bamboo box, and said, "I should continue heading south."
"Marshal Lin, please wait a moment."
Zhao Shutong pursed her red lips, took out a jade flute from her embrace, and offered it with both hands. "This is a celestial grade Pure Heart Green Jade Flute, which may be useful for Marshal Lin in your travels and cultivation of the sword path. I hope Marshal Lin will not find it too insignificant. This is merely a token of Shutong's sincerity."
"Ah?"
Lin Zhao was slightly stunned, his heart filled with a thousand reasons to refuse. But seeing the pleading in Zhao Shutong's beautiful eyes, he truly felt embarrassed to reject the Grand Princess's good intentions. He accepted it, the jade flute still carrying her warmth.
"Your Highness."
Lin Zhao frowned. "I came in a hurry this time, and I have no suitable belongings to give Your Highness. Perhaps next time. Next time, I will definitely prepare a token of my regard for Your Highness."
Zhao Shutong smiled lightly. "Then Shutong thanks Marshal Lin in advance."
"Farewell!"
Lin Zhao tucked the jade flute to his waist, turned around, and continued on his journey with Wang Yue.
Zhao Shutong watched from afar, her beautiful eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. Lin Baiyi of the Snow Region Heavenly Lake, how could she, a young woman who grew up in the deep palace, be able to control him?