Chapter 611: Wu Yunzhu
In the following days, Dongfang Muxue, disguised as Kangxi, decisively rejected various requests from the Three Feudatories.
Meanwhile, the news that “the Princess Consort of King Jingnan stayed in the palace after meeting the consorts and has not come out since” quickly spread throughout the capital.
This caused an uproar among the court and the populace. Many officials submitted memorials expressing dissatisfaction with “Kangxi’s” actions. However, Dongfang Muxue had already privately contacted several influential ministers, including Prince Kang, Suo Etu, and Ming Zhu, to explain the stakes involved.
She reminded them of how the Jin Dynasty had once underestimated the importance of defending its heartland. This allowed the Mongols to seize the region, leaving the Jin Dynasty with no fallback or strategic depth. Consequently, the Mongol forces gradually eroded the Jin’s power until it was confined to areas like Guanzhong, Henan, and Huaibei, barely holding on.
Prince Kang and the others agreed, believing the heartland was of utmost importance to the Qing Dynasty. As long as the Three Feudatories were pacified, the Qing would find itself in a position of both offensive and defensive strength. Reclaiming Shandong could then be pursued at a later time.
With these influential officials on board, Dongfang Muxue quickly solidified the next steps in court: negotiate with the Golden Serpent Camp and focus all efforts on pacifying the rebellion of the Three Feudatories.
However, the selection of a delegate to negotiate with the Golden Serpent Camp sparked heated debates. Given the uncertainty of the Golden Serpent Camp’s attitude, the envoy’s personal safety was not guaranteed, let alone the success of the negotiations. As such, no one was willing to take on this arduous task.
Prince Kang, still bitter about Suo Etu’s earlier maneuvering regarding Ake’s placement, saw this as an opportunity for revenge. He exaggerated Suo Etu’s capabilities, strongly recommending him for the role of negotiator.
Terrified, Suo Etu quickly realized he was being targeted. He hinted for his allies to oppose the suggestion. However, Ming Zhu, who had always been at odds with Suo Etu, seized this divine opportunity and joined in, praising Suo Etu and further endorsing him.