I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 991 Refusal of Abdication Again, Court Assembly Turmoil (5K)

"You may see for yourself, my dear minister."

As he spoke, Wan Nian clapped his hands, and two eunuchs brought over stacks of picture albums.

They spread it out on the table, where portraits of princesses from various countries were painted, with detailed information such as their age and talents noted next to them.

"Look, the princess of Kucha is skilled in singing and dancing, the princess of Khotan is proficient in medicine, the princess of Shule is good at riding and archery, and the princess of Shanshan is said to have a fertile figure."

The Empress of Ten Thousand Years flipped through the picture book with a half-smile:

"These small kingdoms in the Western Regions have gone to great lengths to please our Prince Tang. If you find any that you like, I may bestow them upon you in marriage."

Su Yao glanced at the picture book. The princesses were indeed painted lifelike and were naturally beautiful, but compared to that, the smell of jealousy in the air was much stronger.

Su Yao coughed lightly, closed the picture album, and pulled Wan Nian into his arms, saying, "Your Majesty is joking. These princesses are lovely, but none of them can compare to our baby."

The Empress, startled by Su Yao's sudden action, gasped softly, her cheeks instantly flushing red. She struggled only briefly before leaning softly against Su Yao's shoulder, her voice tinged with a hint of coquettishness:

"What baby? My husband only knows how to say nice things to coax me."

Su Yao lowered his head, inhaling the faint fragrance from Wan Nian's hair, and said softly:
"I'm telling the truth. No matter how good these princesses are, they're just pretty vases. How can they compare to the friendship we've built up over the years?"

The Empress lay in Su Yao's arms and hummed softly, "What about Ashley? Is she just a pretty face too? I heard that she knelt outside your bedroom all night and even fell ill. That was truly moving. Didn't my husband feel anything? As far as I know, my husband is not such a heartless person."

Su Yao grasped her restless little hand and chuckled, "Is Your Majesty jealous?"

"I am the Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty, how could I possibly stoop to the level of a barbarian princess?"

Wan Nian turned her face away, but the tips of her ears turned slightly red: "However... she's about to enter the palace, and as her first wife, I must get to the bottom of this."

Su Yao hugged Wan Nian tighter and whispered in her ear, "Ashley, well, she really was an accident."

“When we kidnapped her and used her identity to launch a surprise attack, which led to the fall of her country and created a deadly enmity, she was so young that she was willing to sacrifice herself to save her brother and put aside all her dignity to beg me. Her courage and sense of responsibility really moved me.”

--"but!"

Su Yao reached out and touched Wan Nian's slightly pouting lips:
"No matter how special she is, she can't compare to our little Wannian, right? Do you remember when we first met? Back then, I..."

The flickering candlelight cast the shadows of the two people onto the screen embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, a symbol of good fortune.

Time flowed slowly as the two, reunited after a long separation, spoke of their longing for each other under the candlelight, reminiscing about the beautiful past.

Finally, after Su Yao coaxed her, Wan Nian finally showed a genuine smile.

Looking at the charming and lovely woman in his arms, who was both angry and happy, Su Yao couldn't help but sigh once again that this was indeed a real world.

Even as an empress above all others, Wan Nian still retains the sentiments of a young girl.

She will worry, get jealous, act coquettishly, and blush and her heart will race at a sweet word from her beloved.

"Alright, alright, my husband's mouth is always so sharp."

Wan Nian reached out, half-pushing and half-reluctantly turning her little face to look out the window and murmuring:

"You saved my life, and the Han Dynasty is what it is today thanks to you, my husband. Even this throne, I know, was only placed here on your behalf because you didn't want to sit on it."

She suddenly turned around, cupped Su Yao's face in her hands, and her eyes shone with unwavering determination: "Therefore, I will not interfere with any of your decisions, and you don't need to bother coaxing me. Just knowing that you still have me in your heart is enough for me."

Su Yao gazed into Wan Nian's watery eyes and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes: "Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? You are the most important person to me in this world."

Wan Nian first smiled sweetly, then sighed softly, a complex look flashing in her eyes:

"I believe in your husband, but sometimes I think, if you hadn't chosen to support me in ascending the throne and had instead taken the position yourself, perhaps we wouldn't have so many troubles now."

"Why do you say that? What are you thinking about now?"

Wan Nian turned her head and looked earnestly into Su Yao's eyes: "Husband, do you know? These days, many ministers in the court are gossiping behind your backs, saying that your achievements are too great and that you will eventually..."

"What? Rebel?" Su Yao scoffed. "Let them talk. Why should I, Su Yao, explain my actions to those mediocre people?"

Wan Nian bit his lower lip: "But I'm worried that one day..."

"That day will never come," Su Yao interrupted her decisively. "I, Su Yao, swear to the heavens that I will never do anything to harm Wan Nian in this lifetime. If I break this oath, may I be struck down by the heavens!"

Wan Nian quickly covered his mouth: "Don't say such unlucky things!"

Tears welled in her eyes as she buried her head in Su Yao's arms: "I believe you. I've always believed in you."

Su Yao gently stroked her back, feeling the slight trembling of the person in his arms, and his heart softened.

He knew that this seemingly strong young emperor actually lacked a sense of security. Having grown up amidst court intrigues and witnessed the cruelty of power shifts firsthand, even now as the emperor, she was still deeply worried about rumors and gossip.

"Do you still remember what I said to you during the late emperor's northern tour?" Su Yao asked softly.

Wan Nian raised his head, his eyes filled with doubt.

Su Yao smiled slightly: "I said I would protect you for the rest of my life, and that promise is absolutely not a lie."

"I believe you."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's eyes glistened with tears as she tightly gripped Su Yao's robes: "But I'm still afraid. The rumors in the court are endless. I worry that one day they will influence me, and I'm even more afraid that you will distance yourself from me because of these things."

"Oh? So someone's stirring up trouble? While I'm on an overseas expedition?"

Seeing the cold glint in Su Yao's eyes, Wan Nian hurriedly shook his head in denial:

"No, my husband, please don't misunderstand."

The Empress of Ten Thousand Years hurriedly explained:

"The ministers are all thinking of the country's affairs; they're just worried that you're wielding too much power and fear that you might become too powerful in the future."

Her voice trailed off as she avoided looking directly into Su Yao's eyes.

Su Yao sneered: "Afraid I'll rebel? And change the ownership of this country?"

Wan Nian bit his lip and nodded slightly: "There are indeed some such discussions in the court. Especially after your return from pacifying the Western Regions, your prestige has soared, and the court officials..."

"Ha, a bunch of short-sighted, gossipy fools! I think they're living too comfortably now and need to be taught a lesson!"

Su Yao's eyes flashed with cold light, and his killing intent suddenly burst forth, causing the candlelight in the hall to dim.

Wan Nian was startled by the sight, fearing another bloodbath in the capital's court, and quickly grabbed his arm to persuade him:

"My lord, please calm your anger! The ministers are only acting in the best interests of the country; they have no intention of opposing you."

"I know, they are loyal to the country."

Su Yao sneered, then clapped Wan Nian's little hand:

"Rest assured, I won't punish these loyal and outspoken ministers. However, since they're so idle and have the time to concern themselves with imperial affairs, perhaps we should give them something to do. The Western Regions have just been pacified, and everything needs to be rebuilt; we desperately need capable ministers and officials to govern them."

The Empress's eyes lit up: "My husband means..."

"Hehe, since they care so much about the stability of the court, why not let them go to the frontier to serve the country?"

Su Yao said calmly:

"The newly expanded territory of the Western Regions is in dire need of a large number of officials. Tomorrow morning at court, I will propose to select a group of officials to serve in the Western Regions. These people can be sent there to shine on the frontier, out of sight, out of mind."

The Empress of Ten Thousand Years covered her mouth and chuckled: "That's a good idea. However..."

She hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "My lord, I actually have a better suggestion that can resolve the disputes in the court once and for all."

Su Yao raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What is it?"

The Empress, who had ruled for millennia, sat up straight and said solemnly, "That is... I will abdicate the throne to you directly."

Seeing Su Yao's surprise, Wan Nian said, "If the name is not correct, the words will not be proper. My husband has now achieved great merit, but he is relegated to the position of a subject, which will inevitably attract criticism." "Why don't we take advantage of my husband's great achievements this time and directly abdicate the throne to him? That way, there will be no more gossip in the court and among the people."

"You really think so?"

Seeing Wan Nian nod solemnly, Su Yao stretched out his hands and vigorously rubbed Wan Nian's cheeks: "What are you thinking about all day long in your little head?"

Wan Nian winced in pain, rubbing his face in a wronged manner: "I'm serious!"

“I know you’re serious,” Su Yao sighed, “but have you ever considered whether we can still get along like this if I really become emperor?”

Wan Nian was stunned.

Su Yao continued, "The emperor has to stay in the capital, managing countless affairs of state. Where would he find the time to lead troops into battle? Let alone explore those unknown worlds."

"Can you imagine me sitting on the dragon throne all day dealing with those ministers? Is that something I can do?"

"In a few days, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop myself from cutting down all those people who are just spouting nonsense."

"You're in this position because it's the best use of your talents; no one else can do this job for me."

"Your husband is destined to conquer the world. Don't even think that the title of Emperor of the Central Plains can bind me!"

Wan Nian stared wide-eyed at Su Yao, momentarily unable to discern whether her husband was comforting her or expressing his true feelings.

The supreme position that countless people aspire to become has become a constraint in his eyes.

"But..." her voice trembled slightly, "Don't you feel wronged, my husband? You are clearly the one who should be..."

Su Yao reached out and gently stroked her cheek: "Silly girl, if I really cared about these empty titles, I wouldn't have helped you ascend the throne in the first place."

"So, my husband intends to continue the campaign?" Wan Nian asked, his expression darkening.

Su Yao nodded: "The Western Regions are just the beginning. To the west lie the Kushans and Parthia, and further still, Rome. My journey is far from over."

After a moment of silence, Wan Nian suddenly smiled and said, "I understand. In that case, I will continue to be the emperor, so that my husband can focus on his campaigns abroad."

She tiptoed and gently kissed Su Yao's lips: "But my husband must promise me that you will return safely from every campaign."

Su Yao smiled and pulled her into his arms: "Of course. I want to watch our child grow up."

Mentioning the children, Wan Nian's face flushed slightly: "Speaking of children... my husband has been away from the capital for so long, shouldn't we..."

Before she could finish speaking, Su Yao swept her up in his arms, saying, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. I will do my utmost to ensure the continuation of the royal family's lineage."

"Ah!" Wan Nian exclaimed in surprise, then blushed and buried her head in Su Yao's arms.

Inside the palace, red candles flickered, and silk curtains hung lightly, creating a beautiful night.

Meanwhile, in her residence next to the Court of State Ceremonial, Princess Ashley tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Standing by the window, gazing at the distant outline of the palace, she was filled with mixed emotions.

Soon, she would officially move into the Prince's residence as a concubine of the Tang King and begin a brand new life. She felt both anticipation and trepidation about the future.

"There's a saying among the Han people, 'Since you're here, make the best of it.'" A luxurious figure appeared behind her seemingly out of nowhere. "My little Ashley, your father believes you can adapt to life here."

Ashley turned and threw herself into her father's arms: "Father, I'm a little scared."

"What are you afraid of?" Gui Shemi gently stroked her daughter's hair. "The Tang Emperor has treated you well, and the Han Emperor has also given you a title. Compared to your elder brother, you are already very lucky."

Ashley's expression darkened at the mention of her elder brother: "Is my brother really unable to return to Wusun?"

Gui Shemi sighed deeply: "It's a miracle I've survived. The Han people will not allow someone who might threaten their rule to return to their homeland."

The father and daughter remained silent. A night breeze carried the lingering echoes of distant palace music, seemingly recounting the prosperity and secrets of this ancient capital.

The next morning, Wan Nian, who was already used to waking up early, slowly woke up from her sleep and, with the help of palace maids, prepared for the morning court, while Su Yao was still fast asleep in bed.

"Do not disturb the Tang Emperor."

Wan Nian gave Hong'er, who was preparing to awaken Su Yao, the following instructions:

"Let him rest well. I will handle the matter at the morning court."

Hong'er bowed respectfully and quietly retreated.

Wan Nian gazed at Su Yao, who was fast asleep on the bed, her eyes filled with tenderness. She reached out to tuck the blanket around him before turning to leave and going to court with Hong'er.

This scene drew envious glances from the other palace maids in the bedchamber.

Those close to these emperors knew best that, unlike the rumors of puppet emperors spread by gossipy commoners, thanks to the current system of the Three Departments and Six Ministries, and the Tang Emperor's hands-off approach, the empress they served was a true emperor with real power.

After four years of ruling in her own right, she was no longer the timid little girl who had just ascended the throne, but had grown into a monarch who could truly stand on her own.

This earned Wan Nian the approval of many ministers, which is also why so many ministers fear Su Yao today.

Indeed, they were not simply engaging in political opportunism. Many people had genuinely accepted Empress Wannian and did not want to see such a wise ruler become a puppet, nor did they want to see the Han dynasty destroyed.

Wan Nian was actually quite moved by this.

However, for the sake of the stability of the country, she could not allow the rumors to continue to spread, causing panic in the court and damaging the relationship between her and her husband. She had to resolve the issue before things got out of control.

So, after bidding farewell to Su Yao, Wan Nian put on a dignified expression that he had never shown in front of Su Yao before, and began today's grand court assembly.

"The emperor has arrived!"

As the eunuchs announced their arrival in a high-pitched voice, the Empress, wearing a twelve-tassel crown and a crimson dragon robe, slowly ascended the Golden Palace, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs.

The civil and military officials in the hall were already lined up on both sides. Upon her arrival, they all knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty!"

During the court meeting, the officials first reported and discussed the recent expansion of the capital, then the construction projects in various regions, and the suppression of bandits in the south, etc.

Time passed slowly, and gradually, the daily political discussions came to an end, and the topic finally turned to the matter of the Tang King's triumphant return.

Why hasn't the Tang Emperor arrived yet?

"Is he not coming again today?"

Some ministers were whispering among themselves.

Although Su Yao was the Grand General and concurrently held the power of military and political affairs, he was always casual about attending court and rarely attended more than a few times a month.

The ministers had expected that he would make a public appearance and express his support upon his triumphant return with his troops, but he never showed up.

This greatly disappointed many censors who had been preparing for more than half a year to launch an attack and denounce Su Yao for his crimes of abusing power, killing officials indiscriminately, privately bestowing titles of nobility, and taking princesses into his household.

Seeing that the focus of the court discussion had shifted to the Western Regions issue, and the issue of rewarding the generals for their merits was once again brought up, they immediately adjusted their strategy and began to submit impeachments.

"Your Majesty, I have a script!"

Censor-in-Chief Wang Lang stepped forward, holding his official tablet, and loudly proclaimed:

"I have heard that although the Tang Emperor has achieved great military exploits in this western expedition, his actions have been largely presumptuous. He has arbitrarily conferred titles upon members of the Wusun royal family, privately accepted a princess from an enemy state, and even established a 'Protectorate of the Western Regions' within the army, appointing officials without the court's permission. Such behavior is utterly disrespectful to the emperor, and I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

These words caused an uproar in the court. Many ministers looked at each other in surprise, not expecting Wang Lang to speak so frankly.

The Empress, seated on her dragon throne, remained composed, though a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes: "Minister Wang, you are mistaken. Before the Tang King set out on his campaign, I granted him the authority to act expediently. The Western Regions are thousands of miles from the capital; if he were to consult me ​​on every matter, wouldn't that jeopardize our strategic opportunities?"

Wang Lang persisted, saying, "Your Majesty, even if you have the power to 'act expediently,' you should exercise restraint. The Prince of Tang is now so powerful that he threatens the emperor and his influence extends throughout the land. He should be even more mindful of the proper conduct of a subject and be cautious in his words and actions, rather than using the power Your Majesty has given him to act so recklessly!"

"I have heard that the Western Expeditionary Army only recognizes the Tang King, not the Emperor. The various barbarian tribes even call him the Heavenly General or the Great Chanyu, and his honor is even above that of our Great Han Emperor. This is a great crime of disrespect!"

Wang Lang's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the court and causing a great uproar. Many ministers looked surprised, and whispers could be heard everywhere.

As if in response to Wang Lang, several other censors stepped forward to second his proposal. Suddenly, voices impeaching the Tang Emperor rose and fell throughout the court.

Meanwhile, a young eunuch, sensing something was amiss, quietly slipped away and ran like the wind to the inner palace to report the news.

(End of this chapter)