I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 994 Planning the Future, The Prince's Mansion Takes in a Concubine (6K4)

"That's what they say. What do you think of this, my husband?"

"Oh? Has His Majesty not yet agreed to this matter?"

After the court session, Empress Wannian returned to her palace and told Su Yao everything that had happened in court that day.

"I haven't decided what to do yet."

Wan Nian tilted her head slightly, looking somewhat troubled.

"Logically speaking, it is a great thing for a foreign king to take the initiative to submit, and it is something that should be recorded in history."

"But many court officials felt it was a bit unreal and worried that something was amiss."

"After all, they didn't come to surrender after being besieged by an army. It doesn't make much sense for a king to give up his rightful throne and voluntarily become a hostage."

"Yes, that's true. As the saying goes, it's better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. No matter how prosperous Luoyang is, it's definitely not as comfortable as living in your own country."

Su Yao thought for a moment and said:
"Alright, I'll have the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate and see if they have any other plans, so we can clear any potential dangers for His Majesty."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, my husband."

Wan Nian was well aware of the Jinyiwei's reputation. They were responsible for monitoring officials and gathering intelligence. They were established by Wang Ling, a confidant of Su Yao, and were said to have the influence of the Zhen Jiang family, the Prince of Zhongshan, behind them. In recent years, they had solved countless major cases and were considered a sharp sword in the court.

However, at the same time, this force is only responsible to the Grand General's Mansion, and even the Emperor Wan Nian, the supreme ruler, cannot mobilize them.

To be honest, this matter has been the subject of numerous impeachments by officials, serving as one of the pieces of evidence against Su Yao for abusing his power.

However, Wan Nian tacitly refrained from expressing any opinion or objection on this matter, and never took the initiative to try to mobilize the Jinyiwei personnel, only receiving and reviewing the intelligence they sent on a regular basis.

Now that Wang Ling has received Su Yao's instructions, he immediately takes action.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was extremely efficient in investigating this matter.

In today's world, few people understand the importance of intelligence work better than Su Yao, and the financial investment in it is always maximized.

Therefore, although he did not bring Wang Ling with him when he went on his western expedition, he still had quite a few members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard with him.

Some of them acted in official capacity, while others used merchant caravans as cover. As the army achieved successive victories in the Western Regions, the various intelligence stations of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were effectively established, setting up connections with different social classes in various countries, and a vast intelligence network gradually unfolded.

This time, as Su Yao returned to the capital in triumph, the intelligence gathered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the Western Regions was also sent to the capital in quick succession along with the troops.

Just one day later, Wang Ling and his team categorized and compiled a rather detailed investigation report from the vast amount of information in the Western Regions.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the situation has been investigated."

Wang Ling respectfully presented the confidential report:
"The arrival of the two princes from Jingjue and Shache in the capital this time is indeed for a hidden reason."

Su Yao unfolded the secret report and immediately understood the situation.

The Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions—frankly, that's ancient history, dating back to before the decline of the Han Dynasty.

In the Western Regions today, due to the continuous decline of the Han Dynasty's power, many small states have been fighting and annexing each other over the past hundred years, and many of them are now just empty shells.

Of the various kingdoms in the Western Regions, apart from Cheshi and Wusun, which he had just dealt with, most have now been divided up by the five kingdoms of Shanshan, Khotan, Shule, Kucha, and Yanqi.

The Kingdom of Jingjue was situated between the spheres of influence of the two powerful kingdoms of Shanshan and Khotan, making its living environment extremely harsh.

To ensure the continuation of the kingdom, the King of Jingjue married princesses from both Shanshan and Khotan. With two queens standing side by side, the balance was maintained when he was young and strong. However, as he grew older and the sons of the two queens grew up, the power struggles between them intensified, leaving the King of Jingjue caught in the middle and suffering greatly.

In particular, when the Western Regions kingdoms attempted to oppose Su Yao, the King of Jingjue had no choice but to personally lead a large army to support them at the request of the kingdoms of Khotan and Shanshan.

But he was unaware that his departure would trigger a brutal coup in the country.

It turns out that the two princesses had been waiting for this opportunity, and it's even possible that they were the ones who pushed the king to go on the expedition.

Taking advantage of the king's absence, they rallied their supporters and a fierce conflict erupted in the capital of Jingjue.

In the end, the queen from Shanshan proved to be the most cunning, seizing power, killing the queen's child, and imprisoning the princess.

By the time the King of Jingjue came to his senses, the situation was already out of his control.

"The King of Jingjue took the initiative to come to the capital, claiming it was out of 'admiration for the Emperor's rule,' but in reality, he was being forced to abdicate by emerging powers within the country and had no choice but to use the prestige of the Han Dynasty to protect himself under the guise of paying tribute," Wang Ling explained.

Why didn't he ask the big man for help?

The moment the thought of eternity crossed my mind, I immediately realized that it was all meaningless.

Even if the Han Dynasty helps him reclaim the throne, he is now old and only has one child left to pass the throne to.

Rather than going back and turning against his father, struggling bitterly, it would be better to leave that place of sorrow, step down and give way to a worthy successor, retire in Luoyang, and enjoy a few years of peaceful life.

"As for the situation in Shache Kingdom, it's not much different from that in Jingjue Kingdom."

Wang Ling continued:

"However, compared to Jingjue, Shache is more deeply controlled by the Kingdom of Shule. Its royal family has been intermarrying with Shule for three generations. The King of Shache has actually become a puppet of Shule. The power of state affairs has been held by the Queen Mother and the Queen, and he has hardly ever ruled personally. This time, he took the initiative to ask to stay, which should be because he wanted to get rid of this life of being controlled by others."

"I remember the King of Shache said he only had one crown prince, right?"

“Indeed.” Wang Ling paused for a moment before replying, “The King of Shache married the Princess of Shule fourteen years ago. They had one son after their marriage, but no more children.”

Wan Nian nodded thoughtfully: "It seems that the kings of these small kingdoms in the Western Regions are not having an easy time either."

From a woman's perspective, Wan Nian instantly understood.

This guy was probably controlled by his mother when he was a child, and by his wife when he grew up. After having children and completing his reproductive task, he probably hasn't even slept in his wife's bed again.

Now that the Han Dynasty wants hostages, compared to the young prince, this cowardly old king is clearly of little value.

Su Yao chuckled lightly: "So now, our Luoyang has become their safe haven?"

Wang Ling respectfully replied, "Your Highness is wise. According to intelligence reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, these kings, during their stay in Luoyang, praised the city's prosperity and stability. They were particularly enamored with the peaceful and prosperous lives of the people under His Majesty's rule."

"Then," Wan Nian looked at Su Yao, "what does my husband think should be done?"

Su Yao pondered for a moment: "Since that's the case, why not grant their wish? These kings have voluntarily submitted; if we settle them properly and set a good example, it will greatly benefit the Han Dynasty's future rule in the Western Regions and even the rest of the world."

Wan Nian nodded in agreement: "What my husband says is absolutely right. Then I will issue an edict to grant the King of Jingjue and the King of Shache each a mansion, with their salaries according to the regulations for princes, so that they can enjoy their old age in Luoyang, learn about our Han culture, and at the same time tell the people of Luoyang stories about the Western Regions."

Su Yao nodded approvingly: "Your Majesty has considered this carefully."

And so, Jingjue and the two kings of Shache were able to stay in Luoyang as they had wished.

Since the expansion plan for Luoyang is still in its early stages, the imperial court has temporarily arranged residences for them next to the Honglu Temple and bestowed upon them generous salaries so that they can settle down with peace of mind.

After the matter was settled, Wan Nian nestled in Su Yao's arms and whispered, "Husband, the fate of these Western Region kings reminds me of something."

"What is it?" Su Yao gently stroked her hair.

"I'm thinking that these foreign princesses are no pushovers, and the daughters of our noble families also have their own power."

Wan Nian grasped Su Yao's hand, slightly worried, and said:

"My husband, now that you've married so many capable women and even established a policy of vassal state marriages, will our children end up like those kings of the Western Regions, controlled by the power of their maternal relatives?"

Su Yao was taken aback upon hearing this, then chuckled: "Wan Nian, are you worried about our child?"

The Empress sighed softly, "I can't help but worry when I see the fate of those kings of the Western Regions. After all, my husband has many children, and this is bound to happen in the future."

"Baby is overthinking it."

Su Yao laughed heartily:
"You should know that in marriage alliances, the stronger party always controls the weaker party."

"When you are weak, a marriage alliance is a humiliation; when you are strong, a marriage alliance is a blessing."

"Our children, as long as the Han Dynasty is strong enough, how can they be controlled by those relatives from beyond the borders? It will only be that we can better control those vassal states through marriage alliances."

"Moreover, I am also particular. I don't just take in any woman. The real implementation of our marriage alliance policy depends on your vassal kings and relatives. Our Han Dynasty doesn't support idle people."

"Finally, if we conquer even more distant countries in the future, I also intend to enfeoff my children there, so that they won't fight for power in the Central Plains. When they become the highest rulers in those countries, in order to maintain stable rule over foreign lands, they will have no choice but to establish close relationships with their brothers and seek mutual support. How could they be controlled by their maternal relatives?"

Wan Nian's eyes widened after hearing this: "My husband actually wants to send the children to their fiefdom a thousand miles away?"

Su Yao gently stroked Wan Nian's cheek and said softly, "Why not? Back then, the Zhou emperor enfeoffed feudal lords, and Emperor Gaozu of Han enfeoffed kings of the same surname. Wasn't it all to consolidate our territory? If our children can establish themselves in foreign lands and spread Chinese civilization far and wide, wouldn't that be more meaningful than being confined to the Central Plains?"

Tears welled up in Wan Nian's eyes: "If Coco does that, won't I never be able to see them again?"

"Haha, Your Majesty need not worry."

Su Yao blinked and smiled, saying:

"At least for now, our children can still be settled in China."

Wan Nian's eyes suddenly lit up: "What does my husband mean?"

“That’s right. Why do you think I gave those illegitimate sons the title ‘Yuan’? They are not qualified to inherit the throne, so I will use swords to carve out a world for them overseas, so that they can protect Yongping.”

This was Su Yao's immediate thought after realizing that this was a real world.

He originally thought that after unifying the country, he could just pack up and leave without having to worry about the future.

But now that he's in the real world, he has a lot more to consider.

If he doesn't want to resort to self-castration to limit his fertility, then with so many women, the number of his children in the future will inevitably be enormous.

Throughout history, there have generally been two ways to deal with princes: either to grant them fiefdoms or to keep them confined in the capital.

The former could easily lead to the rise of powerful regional princes, while the latter would render the princes useless.

Su Yao naturally didn't want to see his offspring become useless wastrels, much less fight among the brothers. Thus, a bold plan took shape in his mind—to enfeoff his princes overseas!

Even Su Yao did not believe that he could establish a dynasty that would last for ten thousand generations and rule the entire world for a long time.

There are limits to a nation's administrative governance. While it can mitigate the impact by accelerating technological development and improving administrative efficiency, it cannot completely eliminate it. With just a little thought, Su Yao knew that even if he were to conquer all the way to Rome, the collapse of his dynasty, like that of Alexander the Great or the Mongol Empire, would be inevitable once he left.

Given this, in this era of great expansion, learning from the Zhou Dynasty's feudal system and supplementing it with the Ming Dynasty's governance of the vassal kings, leaving as many seeds of Chinese civilization as possible in the world, expanding the nation's space while also spreading one's descendants far and wide, might be a wiser choice.

However, that's all for later. The children are still young, and the specifics of how things will be implemented will need to be carefully studied with the capable ministers and advisors later.

But with Su Yao's statement, Wan Nian felt reassured, knowing that other women's children could not threaten the status of her own child, and her mood immediately eased a lot.

Immediately, Wan Nian generously stated that the recent affairs of the court had basically come to an end, and the side hall in the Tang Prince's Mansion where Princess Ashley was to be housed had been completed. Five days later would be an auspicious day, and it was time for that foreign princess to enter the family.

"In that case, I'll trouble my wife to take care of it!"

Su Yao chuckled and pinched Wan Nian's cheek, prompting the Empress to playfully slap her hand away: "Husband, you're being silly again! I am the Emperor!"

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty." Su Yao bowed with feigned seriousness, but his eyes were full of smiles.

Time flies, and five days have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the spring of the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era, on the eighteenth day of the third month, the Tang Prince's Palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with a joyous atmosphere.

Although it was just a ceremony to take a concubine, it was still a grand affair, as it involved the Wusun princess entering the palace and the emperor himself issuing an imperial decree to bestow the marriage upon her.

Not only did the people of Luoyang come to witness the ceremony, blocking the streets of the city, but also the officials of the court, as well as the nobles and envoys from the Western Regions, including the two kings of Jingjue and Shache who remained in Luoyang, all came to the mansion to witness the ceremony and attend the banquet.

Of course, they wouldn't come empty-handed.

This was a rare opportunity to show off in front of the Tang Emperor.

Everyone now knows that anyone who manages to curry favor with the Tang Emperor will rise to great heights.

Whether it was the initial stock of the Western Regions Development Company or this fruitful western expedition, the followers reaped returns far exceeding their expectations.

Those who put in the money reap huge profits, while those who risk their lives earn the honor of having their wives and children granted titles and privileges.

On this day, all factions gathered together. Those who were on board wanted to strengthen their connections, while those who weren't on board tried their best to curry favor.

Generous gift lists were delivered to the gatehouse, and the officials in charge of recording them were sweating profusely. Xiao Chun, the concubine who was assisting in the reception, was speechless with astonishment.

She never imagined that simply taking a concubine would cause such a grand spectacle and garner so many congratulatory gifts.

The gold and silver jewelry alone filled several large boxes, not to mention the rare specialties from the Western Regions and the calligraphy and paintings by famous Han artists.

"Your Highness, this is a jade carving from Hetian, sent by the Kingdom of Kucha. It is said to be priceless."

"Your Highness, this is a whole chest of luminous pearls sent by the Kingdom of Khotan."

"Your Highness, these are the precious swords and fine horses sent by the Yuan family."

"Your Highness, these are the land deeds for Hanoi sent by the Sima family."

As Xiaochun counted the gifts, she reported to Su Yao, her eyes filled with amazement.

Su Yao simply waved his hand casually: "Register them all in the inventory; we'll need them later."

His mind wasn't on these material possessions at the moment, but rather on looking forward to the upcoming wedding.

Although this was his Nth wedding in this world, formally taking a foreign princess into his family in the capital still gave him a sense of novelty.

What's more, he had personally "snatched" this princess from the battlefield.

"Your Highness, the princess has arrived. You should go there now," Hong'er gently reminded him.

There are fundamental differences between marrying a wife and taking a concubine in terms of etiquette.

Marrying a wife requires a formal ceremony and strict adherence to the six rites. The groom must personally travel a long distance to greet her.

Taking a concubine was much simpler; usually, a small sedan chair could be carried in through a side door.

However, Ashley was, after all, a princess of Wusun, with a special status and a marriage alliance between two countries. Therefore, the Tang royal palace made a grand entrance, and Wannian specially granted Princess Ashley permission to enter the palace through the main gate.

But that's all. The princess still needs to come to the palace in person, and the Tang emperor only needs to greet her at the main gate.

Su Yao straightened his clothes and strode towards the gate of the mansion.

Led by the extravagant Guishemi, a group of elegantly dressed Wusun guards escorted a magnificent palanquin slowly into view. The palanquin was adorned with golden bells, which jingled melodiously as it moved.

The sedan chair stopped in front of the mansion gate, and the maid Saiya lifted the curtain and helped out a young girl dressed in a bright red wedding dress.

Princess Ashley, wearing a golden crown and a light veil, looked like a blooming rose in the sunlight.

“The princess looks beautiful today,” Su Yao stepped forward and praised softly.

Ashley gazed at Su Yao through the sheer veil, her amber eyes flashing with complex emotions. She took a deep breath and gently placed her hand in Su Yao's palm: "Thank you, Your Highness."

Gui Shemi stood aside, watching his daughter about to enter the Tang Prince's residence, his expression complex. He sighed, stepped forward, and solemnly bowed to Su Yao: "Your Highness, I entrust my daughter to you."

Su Yao nodded: "Kunmi, rest assured, I will treat the princess well."

As the music began, Ashley, guided by Su Yao, slowly stepped through the gates of the Tang Prince's Mansion and headed towards the main hall.

There, the Empress of Han waited patiently as the mistress of the house.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Ashley bowed gracefully before the throne, her voice soft yet firm.

Wan Nian nodded slightly: "Princess, please rise. From this day forward, you are a member of the Tang Prince's household. I hope you will uphold the virtues of a wife and serve your husband wholeheartedly."

“Your Majesty’s teachings will be remembered.” Ashley bowed again.

Su Yao stood to the side, looking at the two beauties, his heart filled with mixed emotions. One was his wife who had accompanied him all the way, and the other was a foreign princess with whom he had formed an inextricable bond on the battlefield. Now they were able to share a room together, which could only be described as a wonderful arrangement of fate.

The wedding ceremony was not complicated. Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Ashley served tea to Su Yao and Wan Nian, completing the initiation ceremony. Afterwards, guests came forward to offer their congratulations, and the banquet officially began.

After a few rounds of drinks, Wan Nian excused himself from the banquet, citing official business, leaving the room for everyone else.

After the emperor left, the atmosphere in the prince's mansion immediately became much more relaxed.

Guests clinked glasses and offered their congratulations to the newlyweds. Ashley, led by Su Yao, toasted each of the distinguished guests in gratitude.

"Princess, you look absolutely radiant today." Zhen Jiang, as a concubine of the Prince's mansion, was the first to step forward and offer her congratulations.

Ashley looked at the noble Han woman and whispered her thanks in the rudiments of Mandarin she had just learned: "Thank you, Sister Zhenfei."

Yuan Xiaoyu smiled slightly and said, "From now on, we're family. Don't hesitate to ask us anything you don't understand."

Ashley hurriedly greeted everyone, sweating profusely with nervousness.

Seeing this, Su Yao knew that she still needed a considerable amount of time to adjust, so he made an excuse to send the newlyweds to the bridal chamber while he himself attended to them.

The banquet lasted until evening. After seeing off the last guest, Su Yao was finally able to leave and head towards the bridal chamber.

Inside the new house, Ashley maintained her dignified posture, but her tense body betrayed her nervousness. Hearing footsteps, she instinctively clenched the hem of her dress.

"Have you been waiting long?" Su Yao pushed the door open and entered, closing it behind him.

Ashley quickly rose and bowed: "Your Highness."

Su Yao waved for the maids to leave, then walked up to Ashley and gently lifted her veil. In the candlelight, the girl's delicate face was flushed, her eyes showing both shyness and a hint of determination.

"Are you nervous?" Su Yao asked softly.

Ashley bit her lower lip and nodded honestly: "A little."

Su Yao chuckled softly and pulled her to sit down on the edge of the bed: "Do you remember the first time we met?"

Ashley shuddered; that memory wasn't pleasant for her: "I remember..."

"You were really something back then, giving me a good scolding. You were really difficult to deal with," Su Yao teased.
Ashley bit her lip and lowered her head, saying, "Back then... I was immature."

Su Yao lifted her chin, looking directly into her eyes: "But now, I'm glad to see your growth. Your courage to set aside your dignity and even sacrifice yourself to save your brother and the people of Wusun deserves respect."

Ashley's eyes welled with tears: "Your Highness."

"From now on, this is your home." Su Yao gently stroked her cheek. "In the days to come, I will protect you and never let you suffer any more injustice."

"Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness."

Ashley leaned against Su Yao's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and suddenly felt a sense of peace.

Perhaps this was fate's arrangement. From a princess of an enemy state to a concubine in a royal palace, her life trajectory had been completely changed because of this man.

From then on, she no longer asked for anything else, only hoping that she and her family could live a peaceful life.

“Your Highness,” she mustered her courage and looked up, “Ashley will try her best to be a good wife.”

"I believe you will."

Su Yao gazed into Ashley's eyes, and the distance between them gradually closed.

Su Yao's presence made Ashley blush, then she suddenly remembered something and took out an embroidered pouch from her sleeve. "This is a talisman I sewed myself, filled with soil from the sacred Wusun Mountain. May it protect Your Highness."

Su Yao felt a warmth in his heart and took the embroidered pouch, tying it to his waist: "You're so thoughtful. Come, let your husband see how well you've learned Han etiquette."

Red candles flickered, and silk curtains hung gently.

That night, the hustle and bustle of Luoyang gradually faded away. Ashley transformed from a girl into a woman, completing her metamorphosis from princess to queen. Su Yao finally found companionship with a beauty, and in this gentle embrace, he temporarily escaped the strife of the court and the clamor of the battlefield.

However, it only lasted one night.

The next morning, after the morning court session, the Prince's residence received a military report.

That was a message sent jointly by the Protectorate of the Western Regions and the Embroidered Uniform Guard stationed in the Western Regions—the Kushan Empire had made its move.

(End of this chapter)