The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1098: Chapter 1072: Honor Amidst Chaos

Xiao Yuan led the troops on a military expedition, while Anning and Xiao Ying stabilized the rear.

Over the past two years, Xiao Yuan managed Jiangnan very well, gaining high prestige among the people. Coupled with effective propaganda, the people of Jiangnan were not affected by the war at all.

On the contrary, these people were delighted, convinced that this expedition by His Majesty would certainly return with a great victory, and it wouldn’t be long before the entire Jiangbei would be conquered.

Meanwhile, in the Capital...

Yinya sat in Luange Palace, looking at Empress Dowager Zhang and said, ”Sister, the Yellow River has breached its banks, and Emperor Jianyuan has already brought his troops here. At this critical moment, you can’t hold on anymore. There’s a good chance that even before Dajing attacks, the officials under your command will open the city gates and surrender. Why insist on resisting any longer?”

Empress Dowager Zhang had a grim face: ”Yinya, remembering our years of sisterhood, I have taken care of you, yet you always talk to me about such discouraging things. Aren’t you afraid I might kill you?”

Yinya smiled and said, ”I’m not afraid. I’ve lived a few good years; I’m satisfied with my life so far. I just don’t want you to keep imprisoning yourself. Sister, there’s no point in being an Empress Dowager. The little Emperor isn’t your son. Even if you protect him now, he may not be close to you when he grows up. Besides, you know how valiant Emperor Dajing is, with his strong army, while your side has unrest among the people and soldiers. How can you resist? Once the Dajing troops break in, what will you do?”

Yinya leaned closer to Empress Dowager Zhang and whispered, ”Being an Empress Dowager all your life means being trapped under this small sky, confined to this tiny space, never seeing the great world outside. But if you surrender, it’ll be different. Emperor Dajing is benevolent and will not trouble you. You can attain a title or live like a commoner, freely, much better than now. Moreover, surrendering benefits the people. You know you can’t govern this nation, and given Da Qi’s current misfortunes, you’re unable to save the people. Why not hand the country over to Emperor Dajing? Let him bear the burden.”

Empress Dowager Zhang laughed: ”After these years, you’ve become even more eloquent.”

Just then, a nanny announced loudly from outside, ”Empress Dowager, Mr. An has arrived.”

”Let him in.”

Empress Dowager Zhang said, and soon, a tall, thin eunuch entered.

He closed the door and quickly walked to Empress Dowager Zhang, taking her hand: ”Zhen’er, are you alright?”

Empress Dowager Zhang shook her head: ”I’m alright, I’m doing well.”

She pulled An Qingtai to sit down: ”My sister is persuading me to surrender. I... never considered it before, but now I’m genuinely thinking about it.”

An Qingtai laughed: ”Decide for yourself. Whatever you choose, I’m fine with it.”

Yinya noticed something.

She pursed her lips and smiled at Empress Dowager Zhang, lowering her voice: ”Sister, did you know that years ago, the Zhang Family sent me to be a concubine to Prince Duan, and later when the Princess Duan caused a commotion, it alarmed Emperor Dajing. She not only didn’t trouble me but, upon learning of my situation, helped me by arranging a household registration for me and Brother Lansheng, gave us silver to leave. Even at Prince Duan’s place, Emperor Dajing helped suppress the situation. That’s how Brother Lansheng and I have had these good years. Sister, don’t you want to live openly and righteously, be like an ordinary couple with Brother An?”

To be honest, Empress Dowager Zhang was really tempted after hearing her.

An Qingtai was also moved.

After entering the palace, Empress Dowager Zhang actually had a difficult life. Back then, Noble Consort Li was favored, and life for the concubines in the palace was tough; Empress Dowager Zhang faced many dangers, which An Qingtai helped shield her from.

An Qingtai and Empress Dowager Zhang were from the same hometown, and they often played together when they were young, but later their families suffered misfortunes, and both were sold around the same time.

An Qingtai entered the palace and became a eunuch, while Empress Dowager Zhang was sold to the Zhang Family.

An Qingtai was extremely intelligent and cunning, resourceful and ruthless. After entering the palace, he acknowledged the Chief Eunuch as his godfather and, within a few years, replaced him, becoming Emperor Jingqing’s trusted Chief Eunuch.

He cultivated his influence in the palace for many years, and after Empress Dowager Zhang entered the palace, he recognized her and used his power to protect her.

Over the years, they supported each other through thick and thin inside the palace.

With time, naturally, deep feelings developed between them.

However, due to their statuses, they couldn’t be openly together.

Empress Dowager Zhang looked at An Qingtai, then asked Yinya, ”If we surrender, will Emperor Dajing spare our lives? An Brother and I... also wish to retreat to the countryside, live a simple life, like ordinary couples in this world.”

Yinya smiled: ”I can write a letter and ask for you.”

”Then quickly write it.”

An Qingtai was excited and hurriedly found paper and ink for Yinya.

Meanwhile, Dong Da was already taking the sea route towards Jinmen.

Over there, Xiao Yuan received the letter sent back by the spies. He read it and laughed: ”What a perfect opportunity delivered to our doorstep.”

He immediately wrote a letter and had it delivered to Jinmen for Dong Da.

At the same time, Xiao Yuan replied to Yinya, stating that Zhang Empress Dowager’s and An Qingtai’s requests could be fulfilled. If they were willing to surrender, Xiao Yuan could help them assume new identities, find a beautiful and tranquil place for them to live, and even help them adopt some children to ensure An Qingtai’s lineage.

This letter reached Yinya’s hands in the shortest time.

Yinya gave the letter to Empress Dowager Zhang to read.

Empress Dowager Zhang finally made up her mind.

Her decision to surrender was not entirely due to self-interest but also significantly out of public interest.

Empress Dowager Zhang understood the immense suffering of the people displaced by disasters, and she also knew that neither she nor An Qingtai had the ability to manage the flood crisis.

They lacked the capability, but Xiao Yuan had the means to resolve these issues.

For the sake of the people and herself, Empress Dowager Zhang ultimately made her decision.

Just as Dong Da marched from Jinmen, stationed outside the Capital, Empress Dowager Zhang led her young brother to open the city gates, welcoming Dajing’s army into the city.

Dong Da did not immediately enter the city; instead, he stationed and organized his troops outside, then Xiao Yuan led the troops and arrived. Empress Dowager Zhang, along with her young brother, declared allegiance to Xiao Yuan, ushering him to take control of the Capital.

Thus, Xiao Yuan achieved true unification, incorporating the entire Jiangbei.

After entering the Capital, Xiao Yuan sent people to various places to deal with rebellious troops and bandits, stabilizing Jiangbei with decisive actions. He then entered the Imperial Palace, issued an edict, decided to establish the Capital there, and declared Xiao Ying the Crown Prince.