Call of the Heroes of Chaos in Another World

Chapter 2388 The North is About to Change, the Great War Begins, Han Bingxian Prepares for Battle

After discussing with the cabinet, Wang Yu decided to continue to try to find out the current situation of Luan Di Ji Lie.

On the one hand, we must also make plans in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

If Luan Di Ji Lie were truly nearing his end at this time, then Nurhaci, who had already had two years to recuperate, would certainly not continue to sit on the throne.

The current restraint and probing within a certain range will, in the shortest possible time, transform into a battle involving the entire clan.

By that time, not only Nurhaci, but also the Tuoba tribe on the other side would not sit idly by and give up such a great opportunity.

At this time, the Golden Horde, together with Temujin, annexed the remnants of the Murong tribe and made a fortune.

In the process, Temujin's power expanded rapidly.

While the Golden Horde was annexing the remnants of the Murong tribe, it was also helping the Han Dynasty to contain the Tuoba tribe. It was precisely because of this that Temujin was able to exploit the situation.

Although the Golden Horde still managed to secure a larger share of the spoils when dividing up the remnants of the Murong forces, it was still less than they had anticipated.

Temujin, who already controlled the three major routes of the Great Wu in the Central Plains and the grasslands, had achieved such great results after defeating the remnants of the Murong army. Even though he was still far behind the Golden Horde, he had become an unstoppable force and a truly significant power.

As for Temujin, they and the Tuoba tribe were strategic allies. With the already grown Temujin keeping them in check, the Golden Horde was also unable to interfere with the Tuoba tribe's eastward expedition with maximum force.

Therefore, if the situation develops in this way, the Han Dynasty must be prepared.

It was precisely because of this consideration that, after discussions with the cabinet, the troops in the northeast of the Han Dynasty began to reorganize and prepare for war. In addition, Han Xin, who had been reinstated as the General of the Tiger Army, completed the expansion of the Tiger Army as quickly as possible.

Once the situation in the north changes, they will take advantage of the faction's internal battles and their lack of focus to deal with the Eastern Yi.

In this way, even if the enemies in the north grew stronger, the strength of the Han Dynasty also grew stronger at the same time.

Furthermore, without the constraints imposed by the Eastern Yi, their northeastern border defenses would be significantly reduced, freeing up more troops to conquer the world.

After nearly a full day of discussions and seeing off the cabinet ministers led by Guan Zhong, as night deepened, Wang Yu finished processing the last memorial and couldn't help but rub his slightly tired brow.

Zhao Gao, who was standing to the side, stepped forward at the right moment, bowed and asked softly, "Your Majesty, it is getting late. Tonight, shall we return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, or stay at the palace of one of the consorts?"

After a moment's thought, Wang Yu recalled Cai Yan's beautiful yet shy appearance and her dedication to compiling the "Yuanshi Dadian" (Great Compendium of the Primordial Beginning). He then said, "Prepare the carriage for Consort De's palace."

"Prepare the carriage for Yongshou Palace!" Zhao Gao immediately announced in a drawn-out voice.

When the imperial carriage arrived at Yongshou Palace, Cai Yan had already been informed and was waiting outside the palace gate in full regalia.

Upon seeing Wang Yu, a gentle and joyful smile bloomed on her face, and she gracefully bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, respectfully welcome you."

Wang Yu reached out to help her up and led her into the hall.

The hall was warm and cozy, with a subtle fragrance. Some books and manuscripts were spread out on the desk, indicating that Cai Yan had just been busy.

"My beloved concubine is still busy with the 'Yuanshi Grand Ceremony'? There's no need to work so hard," Wang Yu said with a hint of pity. Cai Yan replied softly, "Being able to share Your Majesty's burdens is no hardship for me. Today, I had just finished discussing some frameworks for the poetry category with Consort Li and had just made some progress."

As she spoke, her gaze involuntarily drifted towards the side hall.

Wang Yu then noticed that the lights in the side hall were still on, and a slender figure was standing respectfully to the side with her head bowed. It was none other than Li Qingzhao, who had recently been conferred her title.

She wore simple, plain clothes befitting a low-ranking lady, her head bowed and eyes lowered, her posture reserved, a stark contrast to the carefree and unrestrained woman who had once been famous throughout the two border regions.

"Oh? How's the progress?" Wang Yu asked casually as he sat down in the main seat, his gaze shifting between Cai Yan and Li Qingzhao.

Cai Yan snuggled closer and personally poured him tea, then reported, "Your Majesty, the framework has been roughly drafted, but the selection of specific chapters and the annotation and revision still require a great deal of meticulous work."

"Li Yu is quick-witted and has unique insights into poetry, making her an invaluable asset."

Wang Yu nodded and looked at Li Qingzhao, saying, "Lady Li, compiling this grand encyclopedia is a monumental undertaking. It is your good fortune to be able to participate in it and wholeheartedly assist Consort De."

Li Qingzhao immediately knelt down, her voice trembling slightly: "I am but a humble servant, yet Your Majesty and Consort De have shown me such kindness. I will do my utmost to repay Your Majesty's grace."

Seeing her like this, Wang Yu didn't say anything more. He waved for her to get up and chatted with Cai Yan about some trivial matters of compiling books and idle talk in the palace. The atmosphere in the hall gradually became harmonious.

As night deepened, Cai Yan noticed that Wang Yu was showing signs of fatigue, so she said softly, "Your Majesty, it's getting late, you should rest early."

She paused, two blushes rising on her face, her voice lower, carrying a hint of probing and an imperceptible deeper meaning, "Today... Consort Li is also here. She has just received the Emperor's favor and was appointed to the palace, and is still unfamiliar with palace rules and etiquette. Perhaps... she could stay as well and listen to His Majesty's teachings together, so that I can offer some guidance from the side?"

The implication in those words was all too clear. Upon hearing this, Wang Yu's gaze swept over Cai Yan's charming face and Li Qingzhao's apprehensive yet elegant appearance, and his heart stirred.

He was not one to be averse to women, so this arrangement was rather novel.

He did not answer immediately, but instead picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "In that case, I will do as my beloved consort says."

Cai Yan was overjoyed, knowing that Wang Yu had tacitly agreed. She immediately ordered the palace servants to prepare a fragrant bath, while giving Li Qingzhao a reassuring and encouraging look.

After all, now that she has entered the palace, she will inevitably receive the emperor's favor, and it would be best if she could give birth to a royal heir. Otherwise, with her status, it would be difficult for her to gain a foothold in the palace.

After washing and dressing, the brocade curtains in the inner palace were lowered, blocking out the spring light that filled the room.

Cai Yan, with her initiative and gentle demeanor, guided the somewhat stiff and bewildered Li Qingzhao through her long-standing tacit understanding with Wang Yu.

Red candles burned brightly; within the curtained walls, figures intertwined, their breaths mingling with soft sobs…

After an unknown amount of time, everything returned to calm. Wang Yu lay in the middle, with Cai Yan and Li Qingzhao nestled on either side of him.

Cai Yan's face was flushed, and she nestled contentedly in his arms, while Li Qingzhao turned her back to the outside, her body slightly curled up, her shoulders seemingly still trembling slightly, whether from lingering feelings or from an indistinguishable mix of joy and sorrow in her heart.

Wang Yu embraced the two women, savoring their distinctly different warmth and softness, and fell into a deep sleep amidst the satisfaction of conquest and possession.

(End of this chapter)