Chapter 23: Putting the Greater Good First

Although Lady Golden Flower had spoken on this topic countless times before, the moment the two imperial edicts were mentioned, all the commanders in the room turned their gaze toward Guo Tianxu.

Guo Tianxu responded with a hint of nervousness, “Which two edicts?”

Lady Golden Flower, calm and composed, replied, “One was issued by Xu Shouhui’s Zhìpíng court, the other by the Longfeng court. Both appointed me Grand Marshal of Chaohu. As for the so-called ‘Chief Councillor of the Two Huai Provinces and Assistant Director of the Two Huai Privy Council,’ those are just titles—everyone knows what they mean.”

At the mention of “Grand Marshal of Chaohu,” Guo Tianxu’s brow tightened. He himself was merely Grand Marshal of Chuzhou, yet Lady Golden Flower carried the title of Grand Marshal of Chaohu, with two imperial edicts to her name. Would there soon be two Grand Marshals in Chuzhou? That would never do.

While Guo Tianxu was still pondering how to respond, Zhu Yuanzhang from the left side had already interjected, “I believe both edicts can be put to use. As long as we win over Zhao Pusheng and Li Pusheng, Lady Golden Flower, you may act under any banner you wish.”

Though Zhu Yuanzhang’s interruption breached decorum, such things were already habitual; Guo Tianxu, having been outmaneuvered, could only agree, “As long as we can bring the Chaohu navy to our side, the title matters not. Grand Marshal Golden Flower, how confident are you in accomplishing this?”

Lady Golden Flower patted Liu Yi’s shoulder and said, “Originally, I was only thirty percent confident. Though I have these two edicts, to speak plainly, Li Pusheng and Yu Tingyu, though once my disciples and old subordinates, have been scattered since the fall of Xiangyang—we haven’t seen each other in years, and they may not heed my orders. But now, I am at least eighty percent certain.”

Unnoticed, the formidable Lady Golden Flower had taken command of the entire room. Zhu Yuanzhang was about to speak, but Guo Yunyü was quicker: “Sister Golden Flower, what gives you such confidence?”

Lady Golden Flower patted Liu Yi’s shoulder again. “Because of our General Xiao Liu here. Perhaps you are not yet acquainted with my brother’s abilities; allow me to introduce him—Liu Yi…”

As she spoke of Liu Yi, Lady Golden Flower’s pride grew more evident. “Yunyü, with our General Xiao Liu, not to mention one Chaohu navy, even ten would be at our fingertips. The real reason I forsook darkness for the light and came to serve the Grand Marshal was due to General Xiao Liu’s brilliant strategy.”

Guo Tianxu, seated at the head, immediately took up the thread, “Since Grand Marshal Golden Flower speaks so highly, General Xiao Liu must be a rare talent. What is your insight regarding the pacification of Chaohu?”

Liu Yi hadn’t expected Lady Golden Flower to put him on the spot, but since she had praised him so extravagantly, he couldn’t shrink away. “Grand Marshal, you put me in a difficult position. My abilities are modest, but to speak openly, I am fully confident—one hundred percent—that I can win over the Chaohu navy!”

To the assembled generals, the Chaohu navy had always been a thorn in their side. Hearing Liu Yi declare such certainty, all eyes fell upon him, and Guo Tianxu even laughed aloud, “One hundred percent? If you can help me secure Chaohu, I will see you richly rewarded.”

Everyone expected Lady Golden Flower to offer some polite words in response, but instead she abruptly changed direction. “We are all family here, striving to restore brightness to the world and remake heaven and earth together. There is no need for lavish rewards. General Xiao Liu and I ask only one thing.”

Though the rhythm was firmly in Lady Golden Flower’s hands, Guo Tianxu found himself enjoying this council of war far more than one monopolized by Zhu Yuanzhang. “If you help me take Chaohu, not one but ten requests will be granted. Grand Marshal Golden Flower, what do you and General Xiao Liu wish for?”

Usually stern, Lady Golden Flower’s smile now bloomed with a rare charm and a hidden sharpness. “Grand Marshal, I know you worry about me arriving with imperial edicts and titles, making it awkward for us both. But if we succeed, I will relinquish all claims to titles.”

The more she spoke, the more curious everyone became. Zhang Tianyou even began to wonder if Lady Golden Flower had made some secret arrangement with Zhu Yuanzhang during the previous discussion. “Lady Golden Flower, your title as Marshal of Chuzhou is written in the imperial edict.”

Lady Golden Flower’s smile was at once enchanting and brimming with confidence that could shake mountains. “What I wish for is to seek a marriage for my brother. I hear your sister, Grand Marshal, has yet to marry. My brother is a man of fine bearing and matches your sister well. If we become family, what use have I for a Marshal’s title?”

Her words threw the room into an uproar. Nearly everyone leapt to their feet, shouting “Impossible,” “Absolutely not,” “Nonsense.” Zhu Yuanzhang, the Deputy Marshal to the left, looked as though he had swallowed poison.

He had always known Lady Golden Flower was formidable, but he hadn’t expected her to spurn his goodwill so thoroughly, overturning the table at their very first meeting.

Guo Yunyü was supposed to be his chosen bride!

He drew his sword with a furious shout, pointing it at Lady Golden Flower. “How dare you steal my woman? Yunyü is mine—no one will take her from me!”

As for Guo Yunyü herself, she had been left reeling by Lady Golden Flower’s onslaught. Zhu Yuanzhang’s words finally snapped her out of it. She drew the massive sword from her back and shouted, “Who says I am your woman? My marriage is not for you to decide!”

In an instant, everyone had drawn weapons; a deadly clash was about to erupt. Zhu Yuanzhang, now filled with regret, snarled, “Lady Golden Flower, since you dare undermine me, then a year from today will mark your death anniversary!”

Guo Tianxu was pale and speechless, but Zhang Tianyou managed to restore order. “Yuanzhang, this is a Guo family matter. Tianxu, how do you think it should be resolved?”

As both Grand Marshal of Chuzhou and head of the Guo clan, Guo Tianxu finally regained his composure. “Grand Marshal Golden Flower, surely you are not jesting?”

Lady Golden Flower’s gaze was sharp as a blade. “Our family is prepared to offer the Chaohu navy as a betrothal gift.”

“If we fail to secure the Chaohu navy, the marriage is off. If we succeed, we become one family. Grand Marshal, what do you think of this bride price?”

With that, she turned to Deputy Marshal Zhu Yuanzhang and smiled. “Marshal Zhu, I trust you will keep the bigger picture in mind.”