Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 167 Harmony in the Backyard

Chen Xing's words of comfort were like a soothing balm, temporarily calming the slight ripples in Murong Mingyue's heart. She was not a resentful woman confined to her chambers; her forthright nature and deep appreciation for Chen Xing's work allowed her to quickly adjust her mindset. However, she also understood that while her inner turmoil was easily resolved, the circumstances had changed. Su Xiaoxiao, the talented and highly regarded Inner Palace Attendant, was now an undeniable force in Xinghuo Fortress's power structure. How she dealt with her was not only a matter of her own emotions but also subtly connected to the stability of the inner court and the harmony of the outer court.

Chen Xing clearly recognized this as well. He didn't simply dismiss Mingyue's emotions as "womanly jealousy," but rather saw it as a new situation that needed careful handling. After another long talk with Su Xiaoxiao, finalizing the specific plans for the first batch of salt and iron monopolies and the pilot program for official merchant caravans heading south, he casually remarked, "Xiaoxiao, you've just taken charge of the Inner Palace, and things are complicated. Coordinating with various government offices will also require some adjustment. Although Mingyue is in charge of internal affairs, she's straightforward and insightful, quite familiar with the people in the fortress and the customs of the north. In the future, if there are any issues involving logistics, military supplies coordination, or dealing with military commanders, you should communicate with her more. If the two of you can work together, the implementation of the Inner Palace's affairs might be much more efficient."

These words not only pointed out a more convenient way for Su Xiaoxiao to get things done, but also clearly presented Murong Mingyue's status and role to Su Xiaoxiao in a formal setting.

Su Xiaoxiao, being exceptionally intelligent, immediately grasped Chen Xing's deeper meaning. She put down her brush and respectfully replied, "My lord's considerations are thorough. I have long admired Lady Mingyue's illustrious reputation. With the inner court newly established, there are countless matters to attend to, and indeed, there are many areas where Lady Mingyue's guidance and assistance are needed. I dare not presume to act on my own, and I will certainly seek your advice more often in the future."

Chen Xing nodded in satisfaction. This was exactly the beginning of "superficial harmony" and "joint governance" that he needed.

A few days later, Chen Xing, in the name of the Crown Prince, hosted a simple family banquet in a warm pavilion by the water in the inner garden. Ostensibly, it was to celebrate a small milestone in the Crown Prince's growth. The only invitees were Murong Mingyue and Su Xiaoxiao, and only Chen Xing and two personal female officials accompanied him. The atmosphere was kept as relaxed as possible.

This was the first time Su Xiaoxiao had sat so close to Murong Mingyue in an informal setting. She was still dressed in her elegant official robes, but without the formal outer garment, appearing both refined and dignified. Murong Mingyue, on the other hand, wore a casual outfit that blended Han and non-Han styles, her neatness tinged with a touch of gentleness, her heroic spirit and maternal tenderness strangely merging together.

During the meal, Chen Xing deliberately steered the conversation, first inquiring about the Crown Prince's recent interesting events. Murong Mingyue responded with a smile, her gaze full of affection. Chen Xing then shifted the topic to the recent movements of the northern grassland tribes and their potential impact on border trade.

"According to Hu Yi, several leaders said that although the Snow Wolf Clan is temporarily lying low, small groups of bandits are still frequently harassing border markets, causing considerable trouble for caravans." Murong Mingyue spoke seriously about military and border affairs. "I have ordered the fortresses along the route to strengthen their vigilance and the scouts to expand their patrol areas. However, if the trade routes are disrupted for a long time, it may affect the trade in salt, iron, and furs."

Su Xiaoxiao listened quietly and then interjected, "Madam's concerns are quite valid. The Imperial Household Department is planning to expand the border markets, but this will indeed be difficult if security is not maintained. Perhaps we could learn from the ancient methods of 'hostage exchange' or 'mutual protection'? We could select some grassland tribes with close ties and good reputations with whom we have established trade privileges, and agree that they would be responsible for the safety of caravans within a certain area along the route. In return, we would offer them preferential treatment in terms of transaction prices and the supply of goods. In this way, we can use barbarians to control barbarians, share the risks, and also strengthen our control over them."

Murong Mingyue's eyes brightened slightly as she looked at Su Xiaoxiao: "This method is quite insightful. Those tribal chiefs value practical benefits the most. If there are benefits, it's not difficult to get them to provide some men to protect the trade routes. However, it's necessary to select them properly and have measures to restrain them to prevent them from becoming too powerful or turning against us."

"Your Majesty is wise." Su Xiaoxiao nodded. "We can establish a 'Border Market Trade Agreement' to clearly define rights and responsibilities. At the same time, the newly established Auditing Department of the Imperial Household Department can also audit the relevant transactions of the licensed tribes to prevent them from passing off inferior goods as superior ones or secretly aiding the enemy. The specific terms still need to be discussed in detail with the Military Council and the Censorate."

The two women began discussing this topic, exchanging words back and forth. Murong Mingyue was well-versed in the temperament of the grassland tribes and the operations of the border army, while Su Xiaoxiao was skilled in contract design and the balancing of interests. Their complementary perspectives led them to talk for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Chen Xing listened with a smile, occasionally interjecting with a few words of advice, creating a rather harmonious atmosphere.

Murong Mingyue noticed that when Su Xiaoxiao discussed serious matters, her eyes were focused, her logic was clear, and her suggestions were often to the point, taking into account the details of implementation, rather than just theoretical discussions. This subtly eased the slight sense of distance she felt due to Su Xiaoxiao being an "outsider" and a "woman." Capable people are always more likely to gain respect.

Su Xiaoxiao also sensed that Murong Mingyue was not just a female warrior who only knew how to ride horses and fight. She had a deep understanding of the border situation and people's livelihood, and she was quite pragmatic in her thinking. Moreover, she spoke frankly and directly, making her easier to get along with than those cunning and convoluted civil officials from Jiangnan.

As the banquet drew to a close, Chen Xing raised his glass and said with a gentle smile, "It's rare to have some free time today, and I'm very pleased to see the two of you chatting so happily. Mingyue, you've just arrived in the North and are taking on important responsibilities, so it's inevitable that you might have some oversights or be unfamiliar with people. You're a few years older and have lived in the fort for a long time, so you might as well visit more often and take care of me."

He then turned to Su Xiaoxiao, his tone solemn: "Xiaoxiao, Mingyue has shared hardships with me, she is the matriarch of the family, and an indispensable assistant to me. In matters of the inner court, whenever it involves coordination between the military and civilians or stability in the rear, listening to her opinions will surely be beneficial."

These words were both an admonition and a setting point. They clarified Murong Mingyue's dual status as "mistress" and "assistant," and also gave Su Xiaoxiao the responsibility and obligation to "listen to more opinions."

Su Xiaoxiao immediately stood up and bowed respectfully to Murong Mingyue: "Madam, I am young and inexperienced. I hope you will not hesitate to guide me in many matters in the future." This time, she lowered her posture even further and spoke with greater sincerity.

Murong Mingyue also stood up, offering a slight helping hand, and smiled, "Su Xiaoxiao is exceptionally talented, there's no need for such modesty. My husband has entrusted you with this important responsibility for a reason. Although I know a little about trivial matters, I'm an amateur when it comes to finances and economics. From now on, we'll help each other out, all for the sake of my husband's legacy." Her words were frank and generous, acknowledging Su Xiaoxiao's expertise, acknowledging her own position, and highlighting their shared goal.

Chen Xing felt somewhat relieved watching this scene. He knew that true understanding and trust took time to cultivate, but at least a good "superficial harmony" based on rationality and common interests had been established. This was enough to ensure that things wouldn't escalate at home and would also reduce many unnecessary obstacles for Su Xiaoxiao in her position as the Inner Palace Commander.

From that day on, Murong Mingyue and Su Xiaoxiao maintained a polite yet distant relationship, one that allowed for smooth communication when necessary. Murong Mingyue no longer deliberately avoided news related to the inner court. Occasionally, when Su Xiaoxiao encountered issues requiring coordination with the military or involving relationships with powerful clans in the north, she would politely send someone to deliver a visiting card or document to Murong Mingyue for advice. Murong Mingyue, in turn, was quite accommodating, either providing information or mediating on her behalf, demonstrating considerable generosity.

Su Xiaoxiao always adhered to the duties of a subject and subordinate, treating Murong Mingyue with utmost courtesy. Whenever it involved financial arrangements that might affect the expenses of the inner court or the heir apparent, she would always inform her in advance and even proactively propose better solutions. In the inner court, she also strictly ordered her subordinates not to discuss any private matters related to the lady, and to prioritize official duties above all else.

There was no intimacy between them, but there was absolutely no conflict either. They were like two stars orbiting on different paths, maintaining a stable distance and delicate balance around Chen Xing, their shared center, together illuminating and supporting the ever-expanding sky of Starfire Fortress.