The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 461 Let's see who the hero is today (Part 2)
The afternoon sun filtered through the new green branches, casting dappled gold spots on the flower paths of the Qin Prince's Palace. The air was filled with the dampness of thawing soil and the sweet fragrance of newly blooming apricot blossoms. Several cats lazily curled up on the sunlit stone steps or deep in the flower bushes, Meiguo occupying the softest spot on the cushion, purring contentedly.

If it weren't for the fact that war was about to break out between the North and South, with armies galloping across the land, one would hardly smell any signs of the chaos and turmoil here.

Xiao Yan walked at the front, holding the hands of the Empress and Ji Ruxue on either side. The Empress's pregnant belly was already quite round, and her apricot-yellow brocade robe made her skin look even more like jade. Her steps carried a maternal grace and composure. On the other side, Ji Ruxue wore a moon-white dress, her figure still as aloof as ever, quietly listening to Xiao Yan and the Empress's conversation.

Qianwu, dressed in a red, belted long dress, was accompanied by Guangmutian, Yangyantian, and other maids, who kept a close eye on the road to ensure there was no chance of tripping.

“My lord, look at these apricot blossoms,” the Empress said, pausing beneath an apricot tree in full bloom. Her fingertips brushed against the branches adorned with tender white petals, a few petals drifting down and landing on her temple. “Just a few days ago they were still buds, but a warm breeze has urged them to open. Spring, after all, cannot be contained.”

Xiao Yan also stopped, but instead of brushing the petals from her hair, he pressed down the branch and picked two of the most beautiful flowers to put behind the two women's ears.

He looked at the Empress's helpless smile and Xue'er's reproachful tone, and just laughed heartily. Then he casually said, "Spring cannot be contained, and so can the human heart. Even if the cold wind is biting, what is meant to sprout will eventually break through the soil."

Upon hearing this, the Empress turned to look at Xiao Yan, her phoenix eyes darting around, but she abruptly said, "Speaking of this matter... Husband, during the time Ao Gu has been in the inner garden, Xue'er and I have observed that she has been treated with utmost courtesy and kept away from outside disturbances. However..."

She paused briefly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking her slightly protruding belly, her tone calm: "This woman is ultimately a symbol sent by the Empress Dowager of the Northern Desert to renew their relationship. Her identity is sensitive, but she can also be seen as a small opportunity for the future integration of the grasslands and the Central Plains. If we are too cautious and strictly isolate her, it will only make my husband seem narrow-minded and resentful, and may even cause him to harbor resentment, thus losing her role as a bridge. Perhaps..."

She glanced at Ji Ruxue, then met Xiao Yan's gaze. "When you have some free time, you can occasionally take her with you for a walk around Bianliang City. Let her see the bustling streets of Zhuque Street, the canal wharves along the Bian River, and even... the fields outside the city where spring plowing is in full swing. Let her see with her own eyes what it looks like to end the chaos and rebuild a happy land for the people. This subtle influence, like a gentle rain, may be more beneficial to the long-term peace and stability of the northern desert than confinement within high walls."

Xiao Yan initially wanted to laugh at the possibility that Ao Gu might harbor resentment, but upon hearing the rest, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He looked at the Empress and Ji Ruxue, then took their hands again and said with a kind smile, "Yun Ji's considerations are indeed far-sighted. You and Xue'er can be said to have the world in your hearts and are concerned with unity, which is truly beyond the reach of ordinary women."

His gaze swept over Ji Ruxue, as if he were hinting at something. The latter rolled her eyes at him, her cold gaze showing only her agreement with the Empress's suggestion.

Xiao Yan smiled and said, "War is about to break out between the North and the South. It's always good to plan for the future. A few days ago, the Privy Council and the Tian Ce Mansion also presented their new strategy for Jiangnan. The strategy has been finalized."

"Oh?" The Empress raised an eyebrow and smiled at Ji Ruxue: "My husband is so magnanimous today, allowing me to listen to state affairs? Aren't you afraid of disturbing our child?"

Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle. The Empress had been greatly displeased by the messy proclamation incident a while ago, so she hadn't allowed any outside affairs to bother her. Naturally, she was fine now. So, as he led the two women forward slowly, he said:

"The main force of the Guide Army has been dispatched to Xiangzhou, especially to the command of Yu Zhong's troops. In addition, Shi Hongzhao and Wang Xiancheng's troops are advancing by land and water, and their vanguard has reached Zigui and Yiling. The three places are mutually supportive, and the iron triangle has been formed. Although Gao Jixing's memorial is extremely obsequious, judging from his actions of secretly increasing the garrison in Jiangling, fortifying the city walls, and stockpiling grain and fodder, he is clearly two-faced and is trying to raise the price on the spot and be granted a fiefdom."

The Empress nodded without the slightest surprise and said, "The Privy Council had already determined that his heart was difficult to tame. Therefore, we ordered the three ministries of Yu, Shi, and Wang to continue to apply pressure, keeping things outwardly relaxed but inwardly tight, to ensure that he was firmly pinned down in the corner of Jingnan. This would prevent him from siding with Jiangnan and from taking advantage of the situation. However, this is ultimately only treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Jiangling is a strategically important location. If the root cause is not addressed, wouldn't it just become an obstacle?"

Xiao Yan then pondered and said, "Therefore, I think it is better to employ people from Sichuan such as Wang Zongkan. They are familiar with the military situation in Qianzhou and Jingnan, and may be of great use to us."

"Now that my husband has made up his mind, Gao Jixing is no longer a threat. Moreover, the Shu people have indeed been fluctuating since entering the central government. If they are given important positions by my husband this time, they will serve him with loyalty and courage," the Empress said with a smile.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly and continued, "Secondly, within Wu, Xu Wen and Zhang Hao are vying for power, and Zhu Jin is being ostracized by both. Within Chu, although Ma Xisheng holds power with the support of his father and the court officials, his brother Ma Xiyue is in my hands, a sword hanging over his head. The Night Watch has already secretly dispatched skilled spies to infiltrate Wu and Chu, to infiltrate between Xu and Zhang, and among Ma's old subordinates, to probe Zhu Jin's intentions, fanning the flames and intensifying their internal strife. As for Min and Yue, we will appease them, not confronting them directly, and sowing discord between them and Wu and Chu. This Great Tang is rooted in quicksand; without my high pressure, internal strife is inevitable. We only need to wait for the cracks to appear on their own."

"Thirdly, Zhang Quanyi, who was stationed in Luoyang, was in charge of the transportation of grain, fodder and military supplies in Henan Province, and coordinated with the military supplies of Raojiang and Shu to ensure the supply of the southern front and Hezhong. On the northern front, Li Ting was stationed in Youzhou to ensure the needs of the northern operations and defense against Jin. Feng Dao was stationed in Yingzhou to oversee the military, political and logistical affairs of northern Hebei. With Li Ting's cooperation, the three of them, with Bianliang as the center, could ensure the smooth logistics of the north and south."

When Xiao Yan mentioned Raojiang, his tone softened slightly. "The second batch of grain transported by the King of Yunnan has passed through Qianzhou and is being expedited to the Kuizhou granary by Xu Yanqiong. Wang Xiancheng's troops are in Kuizhou, training their land and naval soldiers and stockpiling weapons and oil; Shi Hongzhao is in Zigui and Yiling, where the two are both stabilizing their local areas and preparing for war. As long as the time is right, either when internal strife breaks out in the alliance or when the dust settles on the northern front, they can sail down the Yangtze River and strike directly at the heart of Chu and Wu with thunderous force."

At this point, Xiao Yan stopped and looked up at the vast sky in the distance, then suddenly laughed.

"The alliance in Jiangnan appears strong but is in reality a festering sore. Its alliance is loose and riddled with internal problems, making it easy to break, but the timing is crucial. Therefore, the most important thing right now is to focus on the northern desert. Li Siyuan's 8,000-strong isolated army has penetrated deep into the southern desert, making it a key move in this situation. Zhu Youwen has already blocked their return route to Baidaochuan, and Wang Yanzhang is making a feigned move in Yizhou to contain the Jin army at Yanmen Pass, while actually preparing to march out of the pass. Once the dust settles in the northern desert, it will be time to deal with the troublemakers in Jiangnan."

The Empress nodded, completely unconvinced by Xiao Yan's words, and then asked, "What about the Northern Desert Royal Court..."

“Since Shuliduo is so bold, Yelü Lage will surely be blinded by greed and the rebel army will be successfully lured into the predetermined battlefield; along with Li Siyuan, they will also be deeply lured into the net by Shi Jingtang.”

Xiao Yan spoke calmly, pondering, "Shuliduo is no ordinary person. He should be able to resolve the rebellion of Yelü Lage without much trouble. In addition, Wang Yanzhang and Yuan Xingqin are battle-hardened generals who are quick-witted and decisive. Add Zhu Youwen, and we will be able to deal with the situation in the southern desert."

He paused, not mentioning Li Maozhen, but his gaze narrowed slightly as he said, "As for Li Cunxu... he is indeed a hero of his time, with unpredictable military tactics and extraordinary courage. Although I was fortunate enough to defeat him once, he should not be underestimated. However, his country has just suffered a loss, and internally, his Shatuo clan is too powerful to control, and the various tribes of Yinshan are still in turmoil. Externally, our army is watching with predatory eyes. This time, he wants to relieve Li Siyuan's predicament. Whatever choice he makes—whether he devotes all his efforts to the north or suffers a painful loss—will determine the future of the Jin state. I will wait and see, and if necessary..."

Ji Ruxue, who had been listening quietly, suddenly stopped and said softly, "If necessary, perhaps..."

Xiao Yan smiled, patted her and the Empress's palms, and said nothing more, simply enjoying the flowers and scenery together.

------

As dusk settled, a somber golden hue enveloped the pavilions and towers of the Prince of Qin's mansion. In the side hall of the front courtyard, candles were lit, casting a dim, yellowish light that elongated the shadows of several people standing there onto the polished floor tiles, adding to the tranquility.

After having dinner with the Empress and others, Xiao Yan entered the hall and took his seat in the main seat. Yu Youshu quietly approached and whispered, "Your Highness, Miss Lu has arrived."

The former didn't say much, but simply nodded from the seat of honor.

A moment later, Lu Linxuan, dressed in an elegant ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), was silently led in by two female guards.

Lu Linxuan's hair was neatly combed, and her clothes were clean and appropriate, indicating that she had not been mistreated. However, her once bright face was completely drained of color, and she was so pale that she was almost transparent.

Her head was bowed, her hands gripping the hem of her dress tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force. The moment she stepped into the hall, her body flinched almost imperceptibly.

It goes without saying that those two proclamations that spread throughout the world, especially the metaphors about "seizing one's sister-in-law," have probably been keeping her up at night lately.

Amidst the uproar and public opinion, she felt even more ashamed in front of Xiao Yan, as if she had truly become a femme fatale who caused chaos in the palace and instigated fratricide.

Xiao Yan waved his hand to dismiss the female guards, leaving only Yu Youshu standing inside the hall door, like a silent barrier. For a moment, only the three of them remained in the hall. The air was still, with only the flickering candlelight and Lu Linxuan's suppressed but still disordered breathing.

"Keep your head up."

Xiao Yan's voice was calm, but it sounded like thunder to Lu Linxuan.

Her body trembled violently, like a startled fawn. After struggling for a moment, she slowly raised her face. But the moment her gaze met the eyes of the person in the main seat, she was struck as if by lightning. She hurriedly lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling violently.

"As the proclamation states regarding the events in Jiangnan," Xiao Yan said bluntly, his tone as calm as if he were recounting old news unrelated to himself, "Miss Lu must already know about it."

Lu Linxuan's face turned deathly pale instantly. Her body swayed, and she almost lost her balance. Overwhelmed by immense humiliation and fear, she let out a short whimper, which she then swallowed back by biting her lip tightly, leaving only deep teeth marks.

Xiao Yan took in her intense reaction, then chuckled. But when he spoke again, his voice held a soothing tone, like that of an elder: "We both know the Grand Marshal's schemes. You are merely a pawn in his game, used to confuse Li Xingyun and frame me. As for imprisoning my sister-in-law, or anything else..."

He chuckled and said no more.

Upon hearing this, Lu Linxuan's tense nerves seemed to relax slightly, and his fear subsided a little. However, the panic and unspeakable shame in his eyes did not disappear; instead, they were replaced by a deeper confusion.

"King Qin... I know... I know it's their scheme. But... if I stay here every day, won't I... won't I just confirm those filthy rumors? Will my senior brother... will he really believe it? And what will the world think of me?"

However, after saying only a few words, tears finally welled up in her eyes and silently slid down, dripping onto the floor tiles.

Seeing her tears streaming down her face, Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment. Yu Youshu, seizing the opportunity, was about to step forward, but Xiao Yan subtly gestured for her to leave before turning to Lu Linxuan and saying, "Stay put. The innocent will remain innocent, and the guilty will remain guilty. Why should I bother explaining my actions to the petty villains of the world? As for Li Xingyun…"

His tone was slightly somber. "If he believed that rogue commander, and this whole tale of absurdity, then it's his own fault, and it shows he doesn't trust the nearly ten years of friendship he's shared with you, his junior sister. He chose his own path. And you're here, at least your life is safe. Once this storm settles down, you'll find your place."

Xiao Yan's promise was quite effective, barely dispelling Lu Linxuan's unease. Her tense shoulders slumped slightly, and she responded softly, "Thank... thank you, Your Highness."

However, the shadow cast by the manifesto still lingered, especially now that a man and a woman were alone in the hall. Even with Yu Youshu by the door, Lu Linxuan subconsciously tightened his collar, leaned back slightly, and still had a hint of wariness and fear in his eyes that Xiao Yan might suddenly do something.

Since Xiao Yan still hadn't told her to leave, Lu Linxuan, like a frightened little animal, silently retreated to the deepest shadow in the corner of the hall, shrinking herself into a ball.

Yu Youshu hesitated, but Xiao Yan only chuckled, picked up the report on the table and began to read it, ignoring it completely. The candlelight cast his shadow on the map on the back wall, making him appear even more somber.

A moment later, a night watchman entered. Yu Youshu stepped forward and, after listening to what he said, softly reported, "Your Highness, Shangguan Yunque and Wen Tao have brought the person back and are waiting outside to see you."

"Bring him in." Xiao Yan didn't even look up.

A moment later, a commotion arose outside the courtyard and corridor. Amidst Shangguan Yunque's signature high-pitched voice and Wen Tao's attempts to persuade him, there was also a madman's muttering.

"Oh my. Brother Shangguan, your figure... tsk tsk, it's just that your jade... it's a bit lacking, a bit lacking. Look at this old Taoist's piece... hehe, this is what you call a treasure. Definitely not an ordinary object..."

Lu Linxuan was startled and couldn't help but look outside. He saw Shangguan Yunque leading the way with a gloomy expression, while Wen Tao was half-supporting and half-carrying a disheveled old Taoist priest as they walked inside.

The old Taoist priest's hair and beard were tangled like wild grass, his robe was filthy and tattered, and his eyes were cloudy and unfocused. He clutched a greasy wine gourd tightly in his hand. As soon as he entered, his cloudy eyes darted around, curiously examining the furnishings in the hall, muttering indistinctly, "Ah... what a wonderful place, what a wonderful place... auspicious purple clouds rising from the east... immeasurably precious..."

Yu Youshu was standing by the door. But when the old Taoist priest glanced at her, his cloudy eyes suddenly lit up, and he immediately tried to approach her with a grin.

"Oh my, this lady...tsk tsk tsk...so beautiful, no ordinary woman! Come, come, let this old Taoist read your palm and predict your marriage...guaranteed to be accurate..." As he spoke, his hand, which had been barely washed, went straight for Yu Youshu's fair wrist.

Caught off guard, Yu Youshu was filled with shock and anger. She took a step back, her hand instinctively resting on the hilt of her sword at her waist. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she shouted sharply, "Insolence!"

Shangguan Yunque was so angry that his face turned pale. His orchid finger trembled as he pointed at the old Taoist priest, regretting that he hadn't seized the opportunity to kick the old Taoist priest, who was skilled in martial arts, over.

"You old madman, I've tolerated you all this way! This is the Prince's residence, and this is His Highness's trusted fish maid. If you dare to use foul language or lay a hand on me again, you'll regret it!"

However, in the blink of an eye, he moved swiftly, cleverly blocking Yu Youshu's path and shielding her from the old Taoist's nauseating gaze and actions.

Wen Tao looked embarrassed and hurriedly grabbed the old Taoist's arm, trying to pull him away: "Master Zhang, Master Zhang. Please calm down. This is before His Highness Prince Qin. You mustn't be impolite. Your Highness, please forgive us... Master Zhang... his madness is sometimes better and sometimes worse. We really..." He apologized to Xiao Yan while frantically trying to control the drunkard.

Xiao Yan slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on the mad old Taoist priest, his expression indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Unexpectedly, the old Taoist priest not only ignored the reprimands but also struggled to pull Yu Youshu away, muttering incessantly, "Don't be afraid, my lady... this old Taoist priest is very accurate... judging from your face..."

Seeing Xiao Yan remain silent, Wen Tao grew even more anxious. In his desperation, he suddenly raised his voice and almost shouted into the old Taoist's ear: "Zhang Xuanling! Haven't you been talking about finding your son day and night?! This man before you is His Highness Prince Qin, who can help you find your son. Quickly, quickly pay your respects to His Highness. His Highness knows where your son, Zhang Zifan, is!"

"son?!"

The old Taoist priest was struck as if by a heavy hammer, his whole body trembled violently, his movements suddenly froze, and his cloudy eyes were instantly filled with immense pain, bewilderment, and a trace of incredulous horror. He staggered back a few steps, and the wine gourd fell to the ground with a "clatter," the cloudy wine gushing out.

Then, he seemed to finally see the young man in the main seat with an imposing and profound presence. But with just that one glance, his cloudy eyes seemed to instantly regain a sliver of clarity.

Xiao Yan's face held a half-smile: "How could the dignified Celestial Master Zhang Xuanling have gone so mad?"

Zhang Xuanling was panting heavily, staring intently at Xiao Yan's face with suspicion, as if trying to discern some secret. Only when he saw Xiao Yan calm down did Wen Tao breathe a sigh of relief, only to find that his back was covered in cold sweat.

But immediately, he heard Zhang Xuanling chuckle strangely, and he pointed his withered finger tremblingly at Xiao Yan.

"Purple aura, such dense purple aura... soaring straight to the heavens, its nobility beyond measure. Yet... the Blood Sea supporting the Emperor Star... so perilous, indeed extremely perilous... Heh heh, this... this person is far from being an ordinary mortal... I'm afraid... a celestial being from elsewhere has descended to this world..."

But these ravings, when they reached the ears of everyone present, seemed to hold a strange mystery.

Wen Tao, standing to the side, felt a jolt in his heart, secretly surprised that this old Taoist priest, despite his madness, still retained some of his physiognomy instincts. Shangguan Yunque, however, could no longer restrain himself. Knowing that he couldn't make a move, as it would only make the old man madder, he simply shouted, "Old madman, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened slightly. This was the first time he had seriously examined Zhang Xuanling since he entered the room. However, he quickly looked away, but when he inadvertently glanced at Lu Linxuan, who was sitting in the corner like a frightened bird, he paused again.

He suddenly spoke up, his tone chuckled, "Since Master Zhang is skilled in this art, why don't you also take a look at this Miss Lu's fortune?"

Caught off guard by being called out, Lu Linxuan looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with astonishment and confusion, his body instantly tensing.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuanling actually staggered closer to Lu Linxuan, squinting and almost pressing his face against hers to examine her. Lu Linxuan was so frightened that she took a step back, her face turning pale. But after only a moment, he shook his head and began to make random calculations with his fingers.

"This young lady is beautiful and has a blessed future, but alas, her love star is in the north, and she has unfortunately encountered a treacherous wolf star... Alas, her love life is fraught with hardship! Bloodshed... a bloody disaster is brewing..."

Suddenly, a strange glint flashed in his cloudy eyes, as if he had discovered something rare. He looked at Lu Linxuan carefully again: "Eh? Strange, strange... This calamity... actually faintly reveals a trace of phoenix-like aura? Though weak... it truly... reveals a noble air... it is no ordinary creature... Hehe... How strange... how peculiar..."

This nonsensical and contradictory rant left Lu Linxuan completely bewildered, shocked and suspicious, his mind in turmoil. He stepped aside, where Yu Youshu protected him from behind.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and for a moment only Zhang Xuanling's strange chuckles filled the study.

Only Xiao Yan clapped his hands and let out a long laugh: "Good, good indeed, a man of extraordinary talent, the Celestial Master's words are truly brilliant."

"You immortal are not bad, you recognize the real thing." Zhang Xuanling chuckled and swayed as he went to pick up the wine gourd on the ground.

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased a bit, Wen Tao knew that the opportunity was not to be missed. He gave Shangguan Yunque a look, and the two of them immediately grabbed Zhang Xuanling's arm and pulled him up.

"Zhang Xuanling, listen carefully. Your son, Zhang Zifan, did not die young. Back when the Celestial Master's Mansion and the Xuanming Sect were fighting, it was Li Siyuan, the Holy Master of the Tongwen Hall of the Jin Kingdom, who took advantage of the chaos to sneak in and forcibly abduct the infant Celestial Master, raising him as his adopted son for over a decade. Now, he is in Yangzhou, Jiangnan, assisting Li Xingyun, who has usurped the title of Emperor, holding the official position of Vice Minister, aiding and abetting evil! He has unknowingly become a sharp knife in the hands of Li Siyuan."

Li Siyuan—!!!
Zhang Xuanling was still in a daze, but upon hearing that name, a face suddenly crashed into his mind, as if struck by lightning. His whole body trembled violently, and he immediately unleashed astonishing strength, violently breaking free from Wen Tao and the other man's support. His eyes widened in fury, and he roared shrilly to the sky: "You villain! Give me back my son—!!!"

The roar, seemingly filled with years of pent-up blood and tears, echoed throughout the hall, causing the candlelight to flicker. This tremendous reaction even astonished Yu Youshu, who harbored deep resentment towards him.

Xiao Yan looked at the Celestial Master before him, who had briefly struggled out of the abyss of madness because of the name "Li Siyuan," and asked calmly, "Zhang Xuanling, do you want to see your son?"

"Son, my son!" Zhang Xuanling lunged forward a few steps to the desk, then hesitated, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, filled with endless pain and longing. "Where is my son? You...you found him? Where is he? Yangzhou? Which Yangzhou? Is he...is he exceptionally handsome? Is he...no ordinary being?"

He was incoherent, repeatedly muttering "son" and that signature crazy phrase, his withered fingers nervously scratching his disheveled hair.

“I can send you to Yangzhou,” Xiao Yan’s voice cut short Zhang Xuanling’s murmurs. “I can even take this Miss Lu with me.” He pointed to Lu Linxuan, who was still in shock in the shadows. Lu Linxuan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Immortal, Immortal..." Zhang Xuanling was about to kneel down immediately, stammering, "You can let this old Taoist bring whoever you want, I will definitely bring them, and whoever gets in my way will die."

“However,” Xiao Yan’s tone suddenly turned cold and hard, “not now. Nor is it for you to go to Jiangnan in this crazy and insane state and cause trouble, or to embarrass your son.”

He stared at Zhang Xuanling's face, which had instantly frozen in a daze, and said, "If you want to see Zhang Zifan, first wake up to reality. Remember who you are. You are Zhang Xuanling of the Celestial Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain, not a mad old Taoist priest. Remember who Zhang Zifan is, and remember what the Celestial Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain is. When will you be able to act like a normal person, understanding what you should and shouldn't do? When will you be able to control this rampaging cultivation power, instead of being controlled by your inner demons and hatred..."

He said indifferently, "If you can meet the above conditions, I will arrange for the two of you to go south to Yangzhou. Otherwise, continue to live out your remaining years with them in quiet contemplation. Your son probably doesn't want his biological father to be a mad old Taoist priest."

These conditions were like a bucket of ice water poured on Zhang Xuanling's newly ignited flame of hope. Sure enough, he fell into confusion and struggle again, making strange hoarse noises and repeatedly muttering words such as "son... Li Siyuan... Celestial Master's Mansion... wake up... Longhu Mountain..." His body swayed precariously.

Shangguan Yunque and Wen Tao immediately understood and stepped forward to support him on either side. Wen Tao whispered reassuringly, "Master Zhang, come with us to settle in. His Highness's word is law, as long as you..."

Half-supporting and half-dragging, the two took Zhang Xuanling, whose mind had once again become confused, away, clearly intending to keep a close watch on him and try to awaken this former Celestial Master.

Yu Youshu also breathed a sigh of relief and walked to Lu Linxuan's side, gesturing for her to leave with her. Lu Linxuan's lips moved as she looked at Xiao Yan, but the latter only squinted at the direction Zhang Xuanling had left, lost in thought, without even glancing at her. Lu Linxuan had no choice but to clench her fists and remain silent, following Yu Youshu away.

------

Even after Zhang Xuanling left, the air in the hall seemed to still carry the lingering scent of his madness and the smell of cheap liquor.

Xiao Yan sat quietly behind his desk for a while, pondering the two physiognomy techniques Zhang Xuanling had mentioned. Once his breathing had calmed down, he signaled to summon another group of people who had been waiting in the side hall for a long time.

The study door opened again, and several people filed in. The atmosphere was completely different from the previous noisy scene. This group of people entered with a cautious respect and an indescribable solemnity.

Leading the charge were Wang Zongkan, the former commander of the Shu Kingdom's northern expeditionary force, who had once led his troops directly to Fengxiang and nearly rewritten the course of the war, along with his son Wang Chengzhao, and Shu generals Wang Zongyou and Pan Kang.

The next few were several Liang generals who had followed Zhu Wen for many years, including Kou Yanqing, who was captured during the Luoyang Imperial Guard rebellion; Wang Tan, the commander of the northeastern Luzhou campaign; Wang Zan, the son of Wang Chongying, the former military governor of Hezhong, who had received many favors from Zhu Wen; and Dai Siyuan, the defense commissioner of Huazhou who followed Yang Shihou in the rebellion.

As everyone entered, they all bowed deeply, their posture extremely humble: "Greetings, Your Highness, Prince Qin."

"No need for formalities, please take your seats." Xiao Yan's tone was calm, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below the steps like still water. His gaze wasn't sharp, but it instilled in everyone a sense of authority without anger, making the air in the hall seem even more heavy.

Everyone sat down as instructed, maintaining proper posture and being extremely cautious.

Xiao Yan didn't hesitate for long. His gaze first fell on the surrendered officials of Shu, and his tone softened slightly: "General Wang, the elite troops of Shu have been weeding out the weak and keeping the strong, and have been added to the Three Military Commands for half a year. Their training and discipline have been very effective. The smooth transition of Shu is largely due to your efforts in comforting the soldiers and stabilizing morale."

Wang Zongkan quickly stood up, clasped his hands and bowed: "It is all thanks to Your Highness's benevolence and magnanimity that you have pardoned our sins and given the people of Shu a chance to recuperate. All those who have submitted and served you are grateful for Your Highness's grace in giving us a second chance."

His son, Wang Chengzhao, also stood up and stood behind his father, his young face full of respect.

"The land of Shu is now at peace, but the world is not yet at tranquility." Xiao Yan smiled, then naturally changed the subject, "In Jiangnan, rebels have usurped the title of emperor and defied orders by carving out their own territory. You are all outstanding talents from Shu, seasoned in the military, and familiar with the geography and customs of the South. At this time when we need capable people, are you willing to once again don armor and wield weapons for the stability of the world and the well-being of the people? Jiangnan is crisscrossed by waterways, a humid and hot place, and it needs generals familiar with the South to serve us."

His gaze was mainly fixed on Wang Zongkan and his son Wang Chengzhao, especially on Wang Zongkan's face. This man's position in the Shu army was almost comparable to Yang Shihou of Liang and Zhou Dewei of Jin, and his attitude was of paramount importance.

While Wang Chengzhao was excited, he dared not make a move. Fortunately, his father did not hesitate at all. He clasped his hands again, his voice filled with passion: "Your Highness is wise. We are grateful for Your Highness's mercy in sparing our lives and have always thought of repaying you. The traitors of Jiangnan are rebellious and arrogant, claiming their own territory and power. They have brought about their own destruction! We are willing to serve Your Highness as a vanguard, to atone for our crimes and perform meritorious service, even at the cost of our lives."

Wang Chengzhao then followed closely behind and said loudly, "This humble general is willing to follow my father and serve Your Highness to the death!"

Wang Zongyou and Pan Kang exchanged a glance, both appearing more cautious and prudent.

Wang Zongyou stood up, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Highness's kindness moves me to tears. However, I know that my abilities are far inferior to Commander Kan's, and I am afraid that I am not up to the task of leading troops into battle. I only wish to find a position within my capabilities under Your Highness's command, such as guarding the land and protecting the people, transporting grain and fodder, or training soldiers. I will do my best to repay Your Highness in any way I can."

Pan Kang also cupped his hands in response: "This humble official, Pan Kang, is also willing to serve Your Highness with his official duties, assisting in local affairs, stabilizing the rear, and contributing my modest efforts to the army's pacification of the south."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with the statement of the surrendered Shu officials. After the group sat down again, his gaze turned to the Liang generals, including Kou Yanqing, Wang Tan, Wang Zan, and Dai Siyuan.

His tone remained calm, but the moment he asked the question, it stirred up a storm in everyone's hearts.

"You are all former officials of the late emperor, having spent half your lives on the battlefield, your merits and demerits, your rise and fall, all now consigned to the past. The world is now turned upside down, the universe reborn. What I seek is not the throne for one family or clan, but to end this three-hundred-year period of chaos. I wonder what your current aspirations are? Are you willing to retire to your fields and enjoy a life of wealth and honor? Or… are you still ambitious and wish to seize this opportune moment to achieve new merits, to earn a new name for yourselves in the annals of history?"

The question was so uttered that a pin drop could be heard in the hall. The flickering candlelight illuminated the varied expressions on the faces of the generals below.

Kou Yanqing's expression changed several times in the candlelight.

He was a veteran general under Zhu Wen, and was extremely loyal to him. Otherwise, he would not have been so easily instigated to launch a mutiny. However, he was captured during the rebellion of the Luoyang Imperial Guards and witnessed the massacre of people along the Luo River. He did not die at that time. Later, Xiao Yan pacified Qi and destroyed Shu, and the whole court was won over. Not to mention that the great prospect of unifying the world was right in front of him. How could he want to die at that time?
After all, there's no such thing as retiring to the countryside. If you don't get over this hurdle, you might as well be enjoying wealth and luxury in the underworld.

He gritted his teeth for a long time before finally rising from his seat and prostrating himself on the ground, his forehead touching the earth. His voice was filled with suppressed emotions: "Kou Yanqing, a defeated general, has been spared by Your Highness's great kindness. How dare I not die for you? However... my old troops are scattered, like lone geese, and I fear I am not fit to take on any responsibility... I will only obey Your Highness's command, even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire!"

Wang Tan then rose, clasped his hands in a salute, and appeared even more composed and pragmatic. He had originally been the Commander-in-Chief of the Northeastern Campaign of Luzhou, but after Wang Jingren replaced him with military power, he was recalled to Bianliang. He was not without resentment, but times had changed, and he had long since seen the bigger picture. The world was in turmoil, and the man before him seemed to be destined for greatness. If he missed this opportunity today, there would likely be no turning back.

“Your Highness is wise. Although I have long served in Xingming and Luze and am familiar with the northern lands, I also have some knowledge of the geography and customs of Huaibei. If Your Highness does not mind, I am willing to serve under General He Gui and do my best to contribute to the defense of Huaibei.”

Wang Zan, however, had already prostrated himself on the ground: "The Wang family of Hezhong has received the emperor's favor for generations..."

Xiao Yanben had not shown any expression until now, but he couldn't help but laugh. In this situation, he could say such a thing without any problem, since his father and he himself had all received salaries from Tang and Liang.

Wang Zan was momentarily terrified and looked up in astonishment, but Xiao Yan simply smiled and waved his hand to reassure him: "The Wang family of Hezhong is commendable for its loyalty and bravery, and I have great faith in them."

Wang Zan was covered in cold sweat, but he could only kowtow and say, "Your Highness is determined to bring peace to the world and relieve the people from their suffering. This is a move that is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people. My Wang clan of Hezhong is willing to devote all our wealth to assist the military. The members of our clan will also obey Your Highness's orders. We only wish to do our best to help Your Highness rebuild the foundation of the world."

After the three finished speaking, Dai Siyuan practically collapsed from his seat to his knees, his face ashen and his body trembling like a leaf. He had originally been the Defense Commissioner of Huazhou, but had been suppressed for following Yang Shihou in his rebellion. According to the law, he should have been executed, but he had only survived by surrendering in time. Of the eight men, only he and Kou Yanqing looked the most disheveled, but he was far more respectful than Kou Yanqing, his humility ingrained to the core.

"Dai Siyuan, a criminal, deserves to die a thousand deaths! By the grace of Your Highness, I have been spared... I will obey Your Highness's orders for the rest of my life. I have no other intentions, no other intentions whatsoever!"

Xiao Yan sat upright in the main seat, taking in the various expressions of the generals below, whether they were struggling, scheming, or humble. Kou Yanqing's tense back as he lay on the ground, Wang Tan's evasive gaze, Wang Zan's shrewdness beneath his composure, Dai Siyuan's trembling shoulders... not a single detail escaped his eyes.

But his face remained calm. After Dai Siyuan's tearful plea ended, the study fell into a brief silence. Xiao Yan remained silent for a moment, and everyone tensed up again, filled with inexplicable fear.

Fortunately, after a while, Xiao Yan finally burst out laughing.

"I understand your intentions. The world is in turmoil, and we need to work together. The affairs of Jiangnan will be coordinated by the Privy Council. Just wait patiently and do your duty. When it is time for you to serve, I will issue an order."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Although no specific tasks were assigned or any clear promises were made on the spot, at least they had overcome this hurdle.

Everyone had their own thoughts, but dared not say much. They simply agreed in unison, bowed, and took their leave.

Inside the hall, only Xiao Yan and Ye Bushou, who was standing below, remained. He pondered for a moment, picked up his pen, and circled Wang Zan's name repeatedly, but ultimately did not cross it out. Instead, he waved to summon someone.

"Take this list to the Tian Ce Mansion and let them discuss it thoroughly before presenting it to me for review."

"Here."

------

The night deepened and enveloped Bianjing, but the night breeze from Jiangnan, carrying moisture, could not dispel the rich fragrance of cosmetics and the suffocating joy emanating from a bridal chamber deep within the Wu King's palace.

Inside the palace, dragon and phoenix candles burned brightly, tasseled brocade curtains hung low, and lanterns and decorations adorned every corner, creating an atmosphere of extreme luxury. However, the dazzling red hue of the room cast a somber shadow on Princess Shangrao's beautiful face.

She was dressed only in an elaborate and heavy phoenix coronet and wedding gown. As for the cumbersome veil, she had already impatiently torn it off and casually tossed it onto the wedding bed, which was covered with red dates, peanuts, and longans. Her exquisite hair was a little loose, with a few strands falling down her cheeks.

She tugged at her tightly bound collar in frustration and complained to the maidservant from the Wu Palace who was accompanying her with a wry smile, "Why aren't they here yet? What time is it! Is it this troublesome for emperors in the Central Plains to get married? I'm starving!"

The maids could only manage a wry smile as they looked at the empty plates of dessert.

The anxiety of waiting and the loneliness of the empty room completely eroded the initial shyness and anticipation of the wedding, leaving only the annoyance of being ignored and a vague sense of loss. Shangrao became increasingly frustrated and suddenly stood up.

"Hmph! I've heard long ago that this Li Xingyun is no great hero at all. So what if he's the emperor? I don't care. He didn't marry me because he loves me; it was just to win over my father and Prime Minister Xu! I reluctantly accepted him because he was decent-looking, but what does he mean by this?"

She kicked the edge of the bed in frustration.

"Squeak-"

Just then, the door was finally pushed open, and a strong, almost overwhelming smell of alcohol rushed in, instantly overpowering the perfume and powder in the room. Li Xingyun, supported by two eunuchs, stumbled in.

His face was flushed, his eyes were unfocused and glazed, and his steps were unsteady. He had clearly indulged in heavy drinking at the previous wedding banquet, and it was unclear whether he was trying to numb something with alcohol.

Seeing the scene inside the hall, the eunuch dared not enter. Several maids had no choice but to hurriedly and carefully help Li Xingyun to the bedside. Seeing that there was no need for any wedding ceremony, they bowed and withdrew, quickly closing the door.

Inside the new house, only the nominally newlywed couple remained for a moment.

Princess Shangrao glanced at her "emperor husband," who could barely walk, and curled her lip. Upon hearing his muttered words, she became even more furious. She rushed to Li Xingyun, hands on her hips, and snapped, "Hey! Li Xingyun! Look closely! I'm Princess Shangrao, not your beloved junior sister, Lu Linxuan!"

"Lin...Lin Xuan?" Li Xingyun was startled by the sharp rebuke so close to him and looked up slightly. Through his drunken haze, he could only see a dazzling red and a pretty face that looked particularly vivid with anger.

The alcohol amplified and distorted his guilt and longing for his junior sister, and the red figure before him vaguely overlapped with Lu Linxuan's face in his memory. He subconsciously reached out his hand, muttering indistinctly.

That single word, "Lin Xuan," ignited Shangrao's fury. She stomped her foot in anger.

"Lin Xuan, Lin Xuan! All you care about is your junior sister! I, the princess, am standing right here, can't you see me?! People say you, the emperor, are a sage ruler of the Tang Dynasty, the cornerstone of the nation, but in my opinion, you clearly have no heroic spirit whatsoever! You let someone put this dragon robe on you and made you emperor, yet you couldn't even protect the woman you love! You let her be captured! And now? You even have to drink yourself into a stupor to escape on your own wedding night! What kind of emperor are you? What kind of man are you?! You coward!"

Li Xingyun was somewhat stunned by the barrage of accusations. In the past two months, how many people had spoken to him like this?
"You... what do you know!" But perhaps due to the alcohol, he suddenly raised his head and staggered as he tried to straighten up. "Emperor? Ha... you think... I want to be this emperor?! It was Yuan Tiangang! It was him, and all of you, who pushed me into this fire pit. He harmed Lin Xuan, he used Lin Xuan to force me... to force me to sign that damned manifesto! To force me to sit on this damned dragon throne!"

He waved his arms wildly, as if trying to dispel invisible shackles, his movements frantic. Suddenly, he stared intently at Shangrao: "Can't protect him? I... how can I protect him?! Xiao Yan... Xiao Yan... he holds Lin Xuan's life in his hands like an ant! The lives of hundreds of thousands of people are no different from one life to him. In front of such a person, you tell me... you tell me how to protect him?! Rush to Bianliang alone to die?! That's what he wants! That's his trap! Junior sister, master, they will all be killed by me..."

He was panting heavily when he suddenly slumped down, leaning against the bed and staring at the floor, muttering to himself, "They will all be killed by me... You don't understand what it means to be surrounded by danger, what it means to be... powerless."

Shangrao stood a few steps away, initially seething with anger, but upon seeing the young emperor looking dejected beside the wedding bed, he fell silent for a moment.

In fact, in Princess Shangrao's eyes, Li Xingyun was still quite powerful in the entire Jiangnan region. He was always surrounded by a large group of people, and those unruly people were extremely loyal to him. It was said that he had killed a group of people while inspecting the river defenses recently. Even the arrogant Prime Minister Xu, who was usually so domineering in front of his father, was obedient and respectful in front of him. When he went to spy on Li Xingyun with his maids before, he also appeared very dignified in front of everyone. Where was this dejected look?

This husband in name only seemed to be more pitiful and more powerless than she had imagined.

She thought of her father, the king.

Shangrao was silent for a moment, then unconsciously lowered his sharp rebuke, his tone becoming more complex and almost sympathetic: "We have no choice... Hmph, who isn't?"

She gave a soft snort, her gaze sweeping over the luxurious new house, but her previous spoiled attitude was gone.

“Do you think… you’re the only one being pushed around? My father… he’s long been sidelined by Prime Minister Xu. He can’t even say a word freely, in front of or behind the scenes. I, the princess, am nothing more than a pawn they use for marriage alliances and consolidating their power.” There was a hint of bitterness in her voice, but it was quickly replaced by a stubbornness.

She took a step forward, squatted down, and looked directly at the dejected Li Xingyun. Her gaze was no longer one of angry rebuke, but rather one of strange seriousness.

"Hey, you spineless emperor. What's the use of just getting drunk, crying foul, and being scared? This is Wu! This is my territory! Although... although my father is ill and Prime Minister Xu is powerful, my title as Princess of Shangrao still stands, and the bloodline of the Wu royal family still exists!" A hint of pride and determination flashed in her eyes. "Rather than waiting to die here, or being manipulated like a puppet until death... why don't we... why don't we give it a try?"

She paused, seemingly unsure of her own suggestion, but her tone gradually hardened. "Let's try. Can we carve out our own path to survival on this chessboard of Wu? With a foothold, with power, perhaps... perhaps we'll have the chance to do what you want to do, to save the people you want to save? It's better than... sitting and waiting to die, isn't it?"

Her last words were soft, tentative, and carried a hint of longing for a response that she herself was unaware of.

However, Li Xingyun's mind was already overwhelmed by alcohol and immense emotional turmoil. Shangrao's words, filled with pity, suggestion, and a hint of expectation, were reduced to indistinct syllables in his muddled consciousness, ultimately obscured by the tearful face of "Lin Xuan." He abruptly raised his head, and through his hazy, drunken eyes, he saw only Shangrao's face, so close to him, etched with complex emotions. The way those red lips parted and opened was strangely transformed into Lu Linxuan's aggrieved expression.

"To sit and wait for death... How could I possibly sit and wait for death..."

"I'm sorry... Lin Xuan..." he mumbled a low growl, reeking of alcohol. Without thinking, he suddenly reached out and pulled the unsuspecting Shang Rao into his arms.

Princess Shangrao was horrified and struggled violently, pounding her fists on Li Xingyun's chest.

However, Li Xingyun, now controlled by alcohol and emotions, possessed astonishing strength. In the struggle, his phoenix crown tilted, and his pearls and jade scattered.

Shangrao looked into Li Xingyun's bloodshot eyes, which were so close to his, and saw the unfathomable pain, intoxication, and despair that he could not see. He listened to him repeatedly murmuring, "I'm sorry... Lin Xuan..."

A strange, complex emotion, a mixture of resentment, humiliation, pity, and a peculiar softness, silenced her, and the strength she had been struggling with gradually weakened...

(End of this chapter)