The Courtesan's Crown - Chapter 9
Shen Huinian rebelled too.
He killed the Yecheng commander who wanted to surrender to the barbarians. Warm blood splattered him, making him look like a demon from hell.
The Shen name held prestige in the north. Soon, commanders from other cities pledged allegiance. Shen Huinian formed a rebel army, calling citizens to resist.
Cornered people took up arms, shouting “Swear death, never be barbarian slaves!” Shen Huinian became the north’s pillar.
The battle lasted eight months.
Shen Huinian fought bravely, strategized cleverly, understood the barbarians. United, the north held firm against invasion, protecting their homeland.
The court, instead of praise, accused the north of rebellion, ordering the leaders executed.
Shen Huinian looked at the announcing eunuch, smiling coldly.
“Traitor Shen Huinian, kneel and accept death!”
Shen Huinian drew his sword. Without blinking, the eunuch’s neck gushed blood.
He died without a full cry.
“The Jin Emperor is unrighteous, seeking our lives. Will you follow me to change the heavens?”
“Swear to follow Commander Shen!”
Shen Huinian gathered Youzhou’s forces, raised the “cleanse the court of evil ministers” banner, and rebelled completely.
That night, after intimacy, I lay panting in his arms.
“Jiangwan, I’ve fully rebelled.”
“Feel good?”
“Good! Actually, my father and I disagreed. He was loyal, even knowing the Emperor wanted us dead. He’d be angry but never rebel. We argued often, but I yielded. Thought, death is death.”
“But they spared me to humiliate the Shens! What drives me isn’t just revenge, but the Emperor’s incompetence! Youzhou, millions of people, abandoned! All are Jin subjects, yet some feast while others starve! Does such royalty deserve to exist?”
After Shen Huinian gained fame, assassins came, some through me. They said Shen Huinian was bloodthirsty, vicious, and would never allow a courtesan to stain his legacy.
Shen Huinian had changed, but I knew he upheld righteousness, saving the world.
As for his love for me, I never doubted.
“Do what you must. I’ll always be with you.”
“I will be Emperor. I will hold power over life and death. I will be controlled no more!”
“Then I’ll be Empress!” I teased, lightening his heavy mood.
“Yes. You will be my only Empress!”
