I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1035 The Kushan Queen Ascends the Throne and Sets Off on an Expedition (5K4)

Having demonstrated his absolute power, Su Yao was no longer interested in engaging in any more schemes or plots with these Kushan courtiers.

Samira will be king, that's settled.

His direct and frank statement left the civil and military officials present looking at each other in bewilderment.

What's the point of saying who's in favor and who's opposed?
Frankly, almost none of them agreed.

But when they thought of the person in front of them who possessed even greater power than the former king, no one dared to be the first to speak out against it at this critical juncture.

Just as the scene froze, Dina was the first to lead the temple priests forward.

"In accordance with the Holy Lord's decree, all of us in the temple are willing to do our utmost to assist Queen Samira."

"Long live the Queen!" the priests shouted.

Immediately afterwards, Tipo stepped forward and loudly echoed, "Our lord has ordained us by the will of Heaven, and we will obey His decree!"

Then, Rahman, who held considerable military power, hesitated for only a moment before kneeling down and shouting, "We are willing to serve the Queen!"

After all, the Queen was Vasudeva's sister, so she was considered one of their own and wouldn't mistreat her former subordinates.

After the temple and the military made their statements, the situation in the court was already settled, and the other nobles had no choice but to bow their heads.

"We are willing to obey the Holy Lord's command!"

"Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!"

Soon, people in the hall knelt down one after another, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" and pledging their loyalty. Only a few nobles from the south remained standing, their expressions uncertain.

Su Yao narrowed his eyes: "It seems someone is not entirely satisfied with my decision?"

The leading southern nobleman stepped forward with a stiff upper lip: "Your Majesty, General Abhaiya will soon arrive at the capital with an army of 40,000. If we rashly establish a queen, I fear..."

"Afraid of what?" Su Yao stroked the silver coin in his hand and sneered, "Are you threatening me?"

"I wouldn't dare!" The nobleman hurriedly knelt down. "But General Abkhaya is a traditional nobleman with a fiery temperament. We should still discuss this with him, otherwise, something might go wrong."

Swah——

Su Yao suddenly raised his hand, and the silver coin flew out.

After a flash of golden light, the nobleman's hair was cut off at the root, and strands of hair fluttered down.

"Go and tell that Abu something that my mind is made up. He either has to go to the capital and submit to me, or he will be wiped out."

"Let him choose one himself."

The nobles fell silent, and the few representatives from the south were ashen-faced, kowtowing repeatedly.

Samira stood beside the throne, staring blankly at the scene, her slender fingers tightly gripping the hem of her skirt, feeling an overwhelming sense of unreality.

She never imagined that she would ascend the throne in this way.

The imagined opposition and numerous obstacles from the court officials did not materialize; all the ministers bowed their heads in obedience and dared not utter the slightest dissent.

She secretly glanced at Su Yao, only to see him looking back at her with a half-smile.

Samira quickly lowered her head, her heart pounding.

As a result, in a moment of confusion, she was pressed down onto the throne.

Su Yao, holding her hand, faced the assembled officials and delivered the final verdict:
"The coronation ceremony will be held tomorrow, and the funeral for the former king will be held three days later. Now, all of you may leave."

After the courtiers left, only Su Yao and his entourage, along with Samira and Dina, remained in the hall. Samira finally couldn't hold on any longer; she had just stood up from the throne when her legs buckled and she was about to fall, but fortunately, Dina caught her in time.

"What, you can't stand it already?" Su Yao raised an eyebrow.

Samira forced herself to remain calm: "It's not just a little sudden."

“Remember, from today onwards, you are the Queen of Kushan.” Su Yao approached her and reached out to lift her chin. “But you still have a long way to go before you can secure this position.”

Samira looked up at the tall man; the warmth of his fingertips made her tremble, yet strangely, she felt a sense of peace.

"I will try my best," she whispered.

Su Yao nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Dina: "Teach her well how to be a queen. Also—"

He gave Samira a meaningful look: "Come to my palace tonight, and I'll personally teach you some things."

Samira's face flushed red instantly, and Dina's expression was also complicated, but neither of them said anything more, and they just obediently lowered their heads and agreed.

That night, Samira arrived as promised. She was still wearing that simple white dress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, like an elf under the moonlight.

She approached Su Yao's bedchamber step by step, only to find that the loyal guards from yesterday were gone, and the entrance to the bedchamber was empty, with only a faint candlelight shining through the crack in the door.

Samira took a deep breath and gently pushed open the door to the bedroom.

Inside the palace, Su Yao stood with his back to her by the window, the moonlight outlining his tall and imposing figure. Hearing the noise, he turned around, his gaze fixed intently on the newly crowned queen.

"You've arrived," Su Yao said calmly.

Samira's heart raced. She stepped forward slowly, stopping three steps away from Su Yao, and bowed respectfully: "The Holy Lord has summoned me, and Samira dares not disobey."

Su Yao chuckled and beckoned her closer.

"Do you know why I chose you?" he asked bluntly.

Samira bit her lip: "Because... I'm easy to control?"

“Clever,” Su Yao chuckled, “but that’s not all.”

He unfolded a map of the Kushan Empire: “Look at this country. The north has just been ravaged by war, the west is eyeing it covetously, the south is rife with factions, and the capital is a melting pot. I need a symbol that can maintain the balance between the various factions, and you—” he traced his finger across the map, “are that link.”

Samira said thoughtfully, "That's why you agreed to hold a funeral for your brother."

"Politics is the art of compromise," Su Yao said calmly. "Give the old forces some face, and they will feel comfortable using you. This is the first thing I'm going to teach you tonight."

Samira paused, then bowed and said, "Thank you."

"Is Her Majesty's gratitude just empty words?" Su Yao said with a smile.

Samira shuddered at the words. She glanced at Su Yao's bright eyes, and the hairs on her body stood on end.

"I...I..." Samira's voice was barely audible, her fingers unconsciously gripping the hem of her skirt.

She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and took a step forward, but then hesitated when she saw Su Yao's ambiguous smile.

"What? Your Majesty the Queen, you don't even have this much courage?" Su Yao teased her deliberately, reaching out to gently lift a strand of her hair. "Or are you having second thoughts?"

Samira shook her head violently, her chestnut hair shimmering in the moonlight: "No! I... I'm just not ready yet."

Seeing Samira turn her face away, Su Yao pinched her chin, forcing her to look at him directly: "Remember, from the moment you stepped into this palace, there was no turning back."

Su Yao's thumb caressed the girl's soft lips: "But tonight, I'll let you off the hook for now. You can start by sharing your views on national affairs."

Samira was stunned: "That's it?"

"What, disappointed?" Su Yao teased, pulling her into his arms. "Or perhaps, rather than matters of state, Her Majesty would prefer me to give you a vivid and engaging lesson in ethics tonight?"

Samira gasped and slumped onto his lap. The intense heat emanating from Su Yao made her heart pound so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.

"me."

Sitting in Su Yao's lap, Samira stammered, unable to speak, her cheeks burning red.

Seeing her flustered state, Su Yao suddenly found it amusing. He released her hand, letting her stand up straight: "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Let's get down to business. What do you think of the Abkhazian army in the south?"

Samira felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She quickly straightened her clothes and tried to calm her breathing.

“Uncle Abhayah, like General Rahman, was a close confidant of my brother. When we were children, we often played at his family’s estate.”

"Now that General Rahman has surrendered, perhaps we can appeal to Uncle Abhayah's emotions and persuade him to lay down his weapons."

Su Yao nodded slightly: "A good idea. But what if he refuses?"

Samira bit her lip: "Then there's nothing we can do."

"Only what?" Su Yao pressed.

Samira raised her head, a resolute glint in her eyes: "We have no choice but to ask the Holy Lord for help. But please, as little bloodshed as possible."

Su Yao laughed: "What a benevolent queen! But don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

He stood up and walked to the window: "After the coronation ceremony tomorrow, send an envoy to see Abhayah in your name. If he is sensible, he can retain his wealth and status; if he remains obstinate..."

In the candlelight, Su Yao's profile was as cold and stern as if carved by a knife: "Then I'll just have to show him what true power is."

Samira stared at Su Yao's profile, momentarily stunned.

Without a doubt, this man is an extremely formidable opponent.

But now, when he stands on your side, he gives you a strange sense of security.

She suddenly remembered what Dina had said: "Use gentleness to resolve hatred, and use wisdom to protect your people."

Perhaps this really is fate's arrangement?
Su Yao turned around and found Samira staring at him absentmindedly: "What are you thinking about?"

Samira snapped out of her daze and hurriedly lowered her head: "No, it's nothing. I just think you, Holy Lord, are amazing."

"Oh?" Su Yao raised an eyebrow. "Tell me about it." Samira mustered her courage: "You clearly have absolute power, yet you're willing to give us a chance. That's very rare."

Su Yao chuckled lightly: "Governing a country isn't just about force. Too much killing will only fuel the flames of rebellion."

He approached Samira and stroked her long, soft hair: "Remember, a true king knows when to be merciful and when to be ruthless."

Samira's expression darkened upon hearing this: "You're right. I think perhaps this is precisely why my brother failed."

Su Yao noticed the change in her mood and gently patted her shoulder: "Alright, that's enough for tonight. Go back and get some rest, tomorrow is your big day."

Samira was slightly taken aback, not expecting Su Yao to actually let her leave so easily. She hesitated, wanting to run away quickly but also afraid that this man was deliberately testing her feelings. After much internal struggle, Samira finally mustered her courage and asked:
"Holy Lord, do you really not need me to stay?"

She hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage and asked, "Holy Lord, do you really not need me to stay?"

Seeing her nervous and shy expression, Su Yao couldn't help but laugh: "What, are you looking forward to something happening?"

"No, no!" Samira's face instantly turned red to her ears, and she waved her hands repeatedly, "I just... I just..."

"Alright, let's go back." Su Yao's joking expression vanished, and he said seriously, "Let's talk about it again when you're really ready. We have plenty of time, don't we?"

Samira stared at him blankly, her eyes filled with complex and unreadable emotions.

Finally, she let out a long sigh of relief and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Samira takes her leave."

Samira lifted her skirt and ran quickly toward the temple gate, but stopped just before leaving, turned back and whispered, "Good night, Holy Lord."

Under the moonlight, the girl wore a faint smile that touched the heart.

She bowed her head, gently closed the palace door, and her figure quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Su Yao gazed in the direction she had left, a slight smile playing on his lips. He turned back to the window, staring at the myriad lights of Fulousha City, his thoughts drifting away.

"Master, how could you let her go so easily?"

Aisha emerged from the inner sanctum, poured Su Yao a glass of wine, and asked with a puzzled look in her eyes.

"What's the rush? Good things come to those who wait."

Su Yao took the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp: "It's easy to conquer a country by force, but it's very difficult to win people's hearts."

“I can’t stay in Fulusha forever. Samira is the link between the Han and the Kushan, and we must make her willingly stand on our side.”

Aisha nodded thoughtfully and refilled Su Yao's glass: "Master is very farsighted. But that princess seems too naive. Can she really shoulder such a heavy responsibility?"

Su Yao toyed with his wine glass, his gaze deep: "Simplicity does not equate to stupidity. She was able to boldly plead for her brother in court and also assess the situation to accept the throne. This courage and wisdom are worthy of praise."

He paused, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Besides, the least likely personality trait of a princess who grew up in the imperial court is to be naive."

Su Yao had already deeply understood this point from Princess Wannian and others.

Women are born actresses, and the more noble their birth and the better their upbringing, the better they are at acting.

They all act like obedient little rabbits in front of me, but behind my back, they each manage to hold up their own sky and operate their own power base.

Princess Samira may be naive, but she is definitely not stupid.

How many ordinary girls could so easily be in the same room with their brother's killer and remain calm?

Aisha paused for a moment upon hearing this, then suddenly realized: "Master means...her performance today was..."

Su Yao smiled but did not answer, instead downing the wine in his glass in one gulp: "Go and prepare, there's a good show to watch tomorrow."

The next morning, bells and drums resounded throughout Fulousha City.

Amidst the attention of the crowd, Princess Samira, dressed in a magnificent golden gown and wearing a jeweled crown, slowly ascended the throne.

Su Yao stood aside and personally crowned her.

"From this day forward, you shall be the Queen of the Kushan Empire. You shall govern the country with benevolence and bring peace to the land with wisdom."

Samira looked up at Su Yao, her eyes shining with determination: "Samira will not fail the Holy Lord's trust."

Immediately after the coronation ceremony, Samira issued her first royal decree, appointing Dina as chief advisor, Tipo as royal advisor, and Rahman as commander of the capital's garrison.

At the same time, she sent envoys in the name of the Queen with a personal letter to the south to persuade Abhaiya to submit.

As always, after arranging the main tasks, Su Yao dumped all the remaining trivial matters on Samira to handle.

In the court, the nobles watched as the young queen, with the assistance of the saintess and ministers, handled state affairs in an orderly manner, and their eyes gradually revealed surprise and admiration.

Even the most stubborn old minister, Qaza, had to admit that Samira's performance far exceeded expectations.

"It seems we underestimated this princess," several ministers murmured privately after the court session.

"Yes, I thought it was just a puppet, but I didn't expect it."

Shh, watch your words! Don't forget who's backing her!

As night fell again, Samira stood alone atop the palace tower, gazing at the distant starry sky.

Dina quietly approached from behind her: "Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?"

Samira sighed softly, "I wonder what my brother would think if he saw this scene today."

Dina paused for a moment, then said, "The late king would be proud of you."

"Proud?" Samira smiled bitterly. "I betrayed his will and bowed down to my enemy."

“No, Your Majesty,” Dina said firmly. “You saved this country. If it weren’t for your courage, the blood on the execution ground yesterday would have flowed like a river.”

Samira turned to Dina, tears welling in her eyes: "Thank you, Dina. Without you, I might have..."

Dina gently embraced the young queen: "It's what I should do. Now, you should go and rest."

"Whether it's that powerful Holy Lord or General Abhayah in the south, there are still many challenges waiting for us in the future."

Samira nodded, took one last look at the starry sky, and turned to leave.

She prayed silently in her heart.

Hopefully, Uncle Abukhari can remain rational and not make any foolish choices.
However, it is counterproductive.

Three days later.

No sooner had Vasudeva's funeral ended than devastating news arrived from the south—Abuhaya not only killed the envoy sent by the queen, but also hung his head in front of the military camp, vowing to avenge Vasudeva.

The news sent shockwaves through the government and the public.

"How dare he do this!" The old minister Qazar slammed his fist on the table and stood up. "This is a blatant provocation against the monarchy!"

General Rahman's face darkened: "Abhayah is of a fierce temperament and believes that His Majesty was coerced into ascending the throne."

Samira sat on the throne, her fingers gripping the armrests tightly until her knuckles turned white. She never imagined that her uncle, who had doted on her since childhood, could be so resolute.

“Holy Lord,” she turned to Su Yao beside her, her eyes filled with worry, “what should we do now?”

Su Yao remained calm, as if he had expected this: "Since he has chosen war, then I will grant his wish."

He stood up and glanced at the assembled officials in the hall: "Send down the order to assemble the capital's garrison and prepare to meet the enemy with me."

"The Holy Lord is personally leading the expedition?" Dina asked in surprise.

"of course."

Su Yao's lips curled up slightly: "To deal with such troublemakers, we must use swift and decisive measures to deter them. Otherwise, others will follow suit, and the group will soon fall apart."

This time, Su Yao's decision was unanimously approved.

Regardless of their own thoughts, as central government officials, they could not tolerate the division of the country.

"This humble general is willing to serve as the vanguard for the Holy Lord!"

General Rahman was the first to speak out, clarifying the stance of the capital's garrison and severing ties with the southern faction.

Su Yao stood up abruptly. "Very good. General Rahman, you will lead 10,000 elite troops with me on this expedition. The rest will remain in the capital to assist the Queen in stabilizing the situation."

Queen Samira suddenly stood up, her skirt billowing like golden waves: "I...I also want to go to war!"

There was an uproar in the hall.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider! The battlefield is extremely dangerous!"

"The Queen personally leading an expedition—this is unheard of!"

Su Yao looked at Samira with interest: "Oh? Tell me your reasons."

Samira took a deep breath, her voice trembling: "Uncle Abkhaya has treated me like his own daughter since I was little. If I could personally intervene, perhaps we could prevent more casualties."

She raised her head, her gaze resolute: "I believe this is a responsibility I must bear as Queen."

Su Yao stared at her for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Good! Now that's what a king should look like!"

He turned to his ministers: "Order the army to march tomorrow. The Queen will personally lead the troops to demonstrate her royal power!"

"Let's show those traitors who truly deserves the Mandate of Heaven in the Kushan Empire!"

(End of this chapter)