The Courtesan's Crown - Chapter 8

Shen Huinian was assigned snow clearance. Within days, frostbite covered his hands.

It pained me. Those hands once held brushes for poetry.

Seeing my expression, he smiled. “Wait. This won’t last.”

I believed him. His eyes never accepted defeat.

Sure enough, half a month later, he was befriending the local garrison commander, treated as an honored guest.

He moved me into a separate courtyard. He was busy daily but always returned to hold me through the night. Often, we had intense intimacy. He repeatedly called my name, confirming I was still there.

We were like small animals huddling for warmth in winter, inseparable.

Heavy snow caused shortages on the grasslands. Barbarians crossed the border, raiding counties, causing many casualties. Jin forces counterattacked but were routed by sturdy barbarians. Their leader boasted: “Shen Yongbei is dead. Who can stop me marching south to the central plains?”

This reached the Emperor, who was furious, sending troops north. But the Third Prince, seeking glory, was soundly defeated. Then, the Fifth Prince was found embezzling army funds, coveting the throne. The imperial court was in turmoil. The Emperor, enraged, soon died. Consort Zhang seized power, installing her youngest son, the Seventh Prince, as Emperor.

News reached Yecheng. Shen Huinian sneered: “Died too easily, letting off that old emperor.”

“Is the world falling into chaos?”

“Afraid?”

I shook then nodded my head. Choosing Shen Huinian, I knew my life wouldn’t be peaceful.

Chaos breeds heroes. Shen Huinian, with Shen blood, would be that hero.

Leaning against Shen Huinian, listening to his pulse, even with the harsh cold outside, in his arms, I felt safe.

The new Jin Emperor sought peace with the barbarians. Their condition: the sixteen prefectures of Youzhou. News reached the court, silencing all.

Thirty years ago, Shen Yongbei led the Shen army, swearing to defend Youzhou, preventing northerners from becoming slaves.

Thirty years later, the Jin Emperor framed and executed the Shen family. Youzhou again became a target. This time, no one stood forth.

The Jin Emperor signed the treaty. Youzhou was abandoned.

News reached the north. Disbelief turned to wailing and despair. Defiant generals gazed towards the capital, their respect gone.

“Damn the emperor! Giving away cities so easily! No backbone!”

“When Marshal Shen was here, we never suffered such shame! I rebel!”

This cry found echo. Overnight, Youzhou rebelled!