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

Chapter 487 May Your Life Be Long and Prosperous (Part 3)

Yunzhou City, formerly known as Pingcheng, is a strategic location in the northern frontier. It was originally a place where heavy troops were stationed, and the city's residents were mostly families of soldiers. It was never considered wealthy, but in the past month or so, it has suddenly become bustling and lively. The sound of camel bells from the border tribes echoes, and merchants from the south come and go in an endless stream. Exotic customs and the prosperity of the Central Plains converge here, making it a feast for the eyes.

The scorching summer sun beat down on the rammed earth city walls, sending up a dazzling layer of white steam. The former residence of the Governor of Yunzhou had now become the temporary residence of the Prince of Qin. Deep within the residence, layers of courtyards isolated it from the outside noise and heat, leaving only the gentle breeze that wafted through the halls.

The main hall was tall and spacious. Several windows were wide open, and sunlight slanted down, forming beams of light. Tiny dust particles danced in the light, eventually settling on the mountain of military documents on the desk, adding a touch of restlessness to the solemn atmosphere.

Xiao Yan, dressed in casual clothes, sat in the main seat. The pile of documents on his desk almost obscured half of his figure, but he was focused on the surrender document in his hand, which had been sent from Taiyuan by express courier. The entire household register of Hedong Province, along with the so-called seal of the Prince of Jin, which symbolized the royal power of the Shatuo Li clan, were silently displayed on the desk.

After a moment, he gently placed the surrender document on the table, his face showing no sign of triumph. The surrender of Taiyuan, the last banner of resistance in Hedong, was entirely expected. The foundation built over decades by two generations of powerful figures of the Shatuo Li clan was effectively destroyed with Li Cunxu's suicide at the foot of Baideng Mountain.

The real problem is never the opening or closing of the city gate, but the hearts of people behind that gate.

"Gongdu".

Upon hearing this, Li Ting, who was standing below, immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your subject is here."

"Taiyuan has surrendered, and the entire Hedong region is now in our hands. However, while it is easy to sign a surrender document, it is difficult to win the hearts of the people. Li Kening is indecisive, Zhang Chengye is determined to die, and Guo Chongtao is shrewd and pragmatic but it is hard to guarantee that he has no ulterior motives. The former Shatuo troops, local powerful families, and war refugees are all like dry tinder; a single spark can start a prairie fire."

Xiao Yan picked up another document from the Ministry of Revenue on the table: "The funds, grain, and medicine allocated by the Ministry of Revenue have been entrusted to Feng Dao and have been transported from Xiangzhou. I know you are upright and discerning, and well-versed in the deep-seated problems of officialdom. I hereby appoint you as the Pacification Commissioner of Hedong Circuit, bearing my imperial insignia, to immediately lead capable officials and the Imperial Guards to Taiyuan to handle all matters related to the surrender and to stabilize the region. However, you must remember the following points..."

Li Ting listened intently with a solemn expression.

"Firstly, the female members of the Jin royal family, such as Empress Dowager Cao and Consort Liu, must be properly settled. During their temporary residence in Taiyuan, they should be provided with quiet courtyards, sufficient food, clothing, and servants. They should not be treated harshly, nor should their contact with foreign officials be hindered. They should be strictly supervised."

"Secondly, opening the granaries and distributing grain to relieve the refugees is of utmost urgency. All the money and grain in the Taiyuan Prefecture treasury should be used for this purpose, and must be distributed in full and quickly to Taiyuan Prefecture and the surrounding counties most severely affected by the war, with particular emphasis on the elderly, weak, women, and children. Any official who dares to embezzle or profit from this, or delays or evades responsibility, should be arrested on the spot and severely punished without exception, as a warning to others. I want to see the faces of the refugees filled with the joy of food, not the sight of corpses lying everywhere and the cries of resentment."

"Here!"

"Thirdly," Xiao Yan turned his gaze to Wang Yanzhang and Li Maozhen, who were standing to the side.

"Zangming and Zhengchen, you two will immediately lead your troops south to take over the remaining Jin army forces. Zangming, head through Yanmen Pass and lead your troops straight to Taiyuan to deter the villains. Zhengchen, you will lead your troops south from Shuozhou, passing through Lanzhou, Shizhou, and Xizhou, to quell the chaos, eliminate the remaining enemies, and ensure that the main roads are unobstructed for merchants and travelers. The surrendered Jin soldiers can be dealt with in batches. The able-bodied and usable ones should be dispersed and incorporated into various armies, and should not be gathered into camps. The old, weak, wounded, and sick should be given travel expenses and sent back to their hometowns, and should not linger or cause trouble. If anyone stirs up trouble or mutinies, the ringleader will be executed immediately, and the rest will be spared."

Wang Yanzhang clasped his hands in response, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light and a hint of murderous intent: "This subordinate obeys the order." Li Maozhen also nodded slightly and clasped his hands in salute: "As Your Majesty commands."

Xiao Yan paused, his gaze shifting slightly to Zhu Youwen beside Li Maozhen.

"Deming, you shall lead Gongyang Zuo, Shi Jingtang, and others, along with the elite night watchmen, to spread the net wide. Closely monitor the remnants of the Tongwen Academy, as well as all former Jin civil and military officials who may harbor resentment or conspire to cause trouble. Anyone who damages the treasury, incites a popular uprising, spreads rumors, or plots rebellion, regardless of their status, without prior notice, shall be executed without mercy. Their heads shall be displayed in the marketplace to appease the people. It is better to kill the innocent than to let a single ringleader escape and cause a major disaster."

Zhu Youwen bowed and clasped his hands, his killing intent palpable: "This humble general obeys your command. I will ensure that those demons and monsters have nowhere to hide and that their heads roll to the ground!"

"Fourth," Xiao Yan said, turning to Li Ting with a more serious tone, "Li Kening, Li Cunhao, Li Cunshi, and other leaders of the imperial clan are to be kept under strict guard and escorted back to Bianliang for trial. They must not be lost along the way. Those with talent, reputation, and prestige, such as Guo Chongtao, may remain in Taiyuan temporarily, given nominal positions, to assist in pacifying the local area, and their future performance will be observed. Zhang Chengye… if he insists on dying for his country, he shall be given a proper burial, with a monument erected to commemorate his loyalty and integrity. Finally, respecting Empress Dowager Cao's wishes, Li Cunxu shall be properly buried with royal honors near Taiyuan. Later, I will personally write a few lines, which you will take to have engraved on his tombstone. Although he was an adversary, he was also a formidable figure of his time, and he deserves posthumous renown."

Li Ting bowed deeply once more. “Your subject, Li Ting, respectfully obeys Your Majesty’s decree. Taiyuan is not merely a city; it is the key to Hedong and the shield of the northern frontier. On this journey, I will certainly not fail Your Majesty’s trust. I will ensure that the people of Hedong know that Your Majesty’s sword is aimed only at those who defy Your Majesty; and that the benefits of your new policies extend to all the people of the world. Only when the people’s hearts are at peace can the nation be secure.”

Xiao Yan said nothing more. After writing a letter, he handed it to Li Ting along with the imperial axe. He then nodded slightly and waved his hand with an air of authority: "Go. Travel day and night, time waits for no one. The peace of Hedong is now in your hands."

Li Ting said no more, cupped his hands and surveyed the generals in the hall, nodded to Wang Yanzhang and the others, then turned and strode out, his figure quickly disappearing into the blazing sunlight. Outside the door, elite troops were already fully armed and ready to depart, their hooves thundering as they rode away, leaving dust in their wake.

Wang Yanzhang, Li Maozhen, Zhu Youwen, and others bowed and took their leave in turn. The clanging of armor gradually faded into the distance, and the hall fell silent for a moment.

For a moment, only Xiao Yan remained in the hall. He glanced at the surrender document on the table, then rose again, walked to the open hall door, stood with his hands behind his back, looked at the swaying shadows of the trees in the courtyard, and then looked over the high wall of the military compound, gazing at the vast and boundless sky. The clouds drifted and rolled, ever-changing.

Taking over Hedong was just the beginning.

------

That night, the darkness was as black as ink, quietly enveloping Yunzhou City.

The sweltering heat of the day was slightly dispelled by the evening breeze, bringing a touch of coolness. Deep within the camp, in a courtyard hidden by layers of flowers and trees, candlelight filtered through a thin gauze lampshade, casting hazy glows.

A faint, warm fragrance filled the room. On the bed, the surrendered minister was curled up in a brocade quilt, her long hair cascading down, obscuring half her face, revealing only her delicate profile. She had just recovered from serious injuries and was still recovering from exhaustion. At this moment, her breathing was steady and long, and there was still a trace of weariness between her brows, indicating that she had clearly fallen into a deep sleep.

Xiao Yan, wearing only a dark outer robe, leaned against the couch with his chest open. His gaze fell gently on the peaceful sleeping face of the surrendered minister, and his fingertips lightly brushed through the strands of hair scattered on her pillow.

After a moment of silence, his eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly called out, "Xiao Kui."

Zhong Xiaokui, who was standing guard outside, responded almost immediately. Her voice came through the door, carrying a slight tremor that was almost imperceptible: "Your subordinate is here." She had obviously been guarding outside the door the whole time. Although she hadn't deliberately made a fuss about the commotion inside, how could it have escaped the perception of a master like her? Therefore, she was already blushing.

"Go and invite Empress Dowager Shuli." Xiao Yan's voice was calm and emotionless. "Tell her that I have important matters to discuss with her immediately in the northern frontier."

Zhong Xiaokui, standing outside the door, was slightly taken aback, but she quickly composed herself, suppressed her distracting thoughts, and respectfully replied, "Yes!" Then she hurriedly left.

Inside the room, the surrendered woman's body, nestled in Xiao Yan's arms, seemed to stiffen slightly. Though her eyes were closed, her ears perked up. Hearing the phrase "important matters in the northern frontier" and sensing the lingering presence of the man beside her, she instantly understood its meaning.

Memories of her past embarrassment and anger towards Bago flooded her mind. She gave a soft, dissatisfied snort and shifted almost imperceptibly in Xiao Yan's arms, but ultimately remained silent, simply burying her head deeper into the brocade quilt without thinking.

Before long, light but slightly hurried footsteps approached from afar, and the door was gently pushed open.

Shuliduo's figure appeared at the door. Zhong Xiaokui obviously did not explain the details, so the Empress Dowager came in a hurry and only casually put on a moon-white outer robe over her close-fitting plain nightgown. Her black hair was slightly messy and scattered, and there were even a few strands of hair sticking to her slightly sweaty forehead.

Her face held a hint of drowsiness from being startled awake, but her strikingly beautiful eyes cleared the moment she stepped into the inner room. The scene on the couch was clearly visible, and the lingering scent in the air was immediately apparent…

Everything is self-evident.

Shuliduo paused for a moment at the doorway, a hint of surprise flashing across her face, along with a knowing look that made her chuckle. She said nothing more, simply walking calmly step by step towards the bed.

The outer robe slipped silently to the ground.

A moment later, the surrendered woman groaned under the pressure of the noise, finally unable to pretend to be asleep any longer. She abruptly opened her eyes, her large, watery eyes glaring at Xiao Yan with a mixture of shame and anger, but her voice lacked any strength: "You, Xiao! You...you...shameless!"

She stared at the scene before her, her eyes widening instantly. Then, she turned her face away in shame, grabbed a thin blanket from the side, and wrapped herself up completely from head to toe.

"...If you want to talk business...let's go to the outer hall...forget it, I'm so sleepy...do whatever you want!"

The brocade curtains hung low, and the candlelight cast shimmering, interwoven halos on the walls.

Listening to the sounds of the Corpse Ancestor and the Empress Dowager gradually mingling together, Zhong Xiao Kui stood respectfully outside the door with her hands at her sides, eyes downcast and mind at ease. However, this dignified expert of the Middle Heaven rank was barely able to stand steadily after guarding the long night for only an hour.

After an unknown amount of time, the sound of the water clock dripping gradually became clearer, and all sounds returned to silence.

The continuous panting gradually subsided. The surrendered minister, wrapped in the quilt, fell asleep from exhaustion. Shuliduo, on the other hand, lay softly on Xiao Yan's chest, her hair clinging to her neck, her eyes closed, trembling slightly, as if still savoring some indescribable aftertaste.

Xiao Yan let out a long breath, gently laid the seemingly fast asleep Shuliduo flat on the couch, and pulled a corner of the brocade quilt to cover the two delicate bodies on the couch. He then rolled off the couch, casually grabbed the outer robe that was lying to the side, and put it on.

He walked to the low table by the window, picked up the kettle, poured a full glass of slightly cool water, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. Then he poured half a glass of water, walked to the carved wooden door leading from the inner room to the terrace, and pushed the door open.

A cool summer night breeze rushed in, brushing against his sweaty temples and bringing a touch of comfort.

The terrace was spacious, the stone railings cool. He leaned against the railing, looking down at the slumbering city of Yunzhou. Moonlight, like water, spilled onto the rows of rooftops, outlining the city's indistinct silhouette. Further away, the vast, dark remnants of the Yinshan Mountains stretched out, now only massive shadows in the night.

As he slowly sipped the water in his cup, he gazed at the mountains, as if he could pierce through the darkness for miles and see the even wider world that he would soon be able to take into his possession.

The empty cup in his hand spun unconsciously, but Xiao Yan's face was filled with calm contemplation, showing no trace of smugness.

Becoming emperor seemed like a natural progression, an inevitable outcome desired by all. However, what did that supreme position truly mean to him?
Light footsteps came from behind, carrying a hint of languor and a soft, contented feeling.

Xiao Yan did not turn around.

Shuliduo wore one of Xiao Yan's large, dark robes, the hem of which almost trailed on the ground, completely enveloping her exquisite figure. Her hair was disheveled, and the charming blush on her face had not yet completely faded. She stopped a little behind Xiao Yan, also gazing at the boundless darkness to the south.

The night breeze lifted a few stray strands of her hair, brushing against her smooth profile.

"Is Jiulang hesitant because the calls for him to ascend the throne in Bianliang are growing louder?" Her voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night, carrying a hint of allure tinged with desire. "I observe that Your Majesty's brow seems clouded lately... Is your heart not set on the throne?" Xiao Yan's gaze remained fixed on the distant darkness, his fingertips lightly tracing the rough surface of the cup. He did not deny it; silence flowed between them, broken only by the soft whistling of the night wind through the eaves. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally spoke slowly, his voice low and deep, as if questioning himself, or perhaps answering her:

"It is easy to become emperor, but difficult to be emperor. Sitting on that throne, a single word can make or break a nation. Throughout history, many heroes may have had the ambition to conquer the world before they sat on the throne. But after sitting for a long time, with songs of praise filling their ears, ministers bowing their heads at their feet, and flattery all around them, when they finally look up, they are already lost and confused, and even the path they came from has become blurred."

He turned around, leaning against the cold stone railing, facing Shuliduo. The moonlight, like mercury spilling onto the ground, clearly outlined the angular profile of his face, and his dark, glaring eyes shone astonishingly in the thick night, as if they contained two clusters of dark, burning flames.

“Look at those who urge me to ascend the throne. Every word they utter sounds like loyalty and devotion, but in reality, each has their own calculations. Some seek the merit of supporting the emperor to ensure their family's wealth and prosperity for generations; others fear the chilling power of my army and use this as a show of loyalty to save themselves; still others naively believe that once the roles of emperor and subject are established, everything will remain the same, and they can still be those local tyrants who control their own territories, wielding life and death power and disregarding the law. It has been two hundred years since the An Lushan Rebellion. Regional warlords have carved up the land, military men have seized power, and the emperor's authority has rarely extended beyond the palace gates. The military governors control the army, taxes, and the people, essentially operating as states within a state. Rites and music have collapsed, social order has been lost, and the lives of ordinary people are as worthless as grass, at the mercy of others. This is a deep-seated problem that cannot be easily eradicated by changing dynasties or changing emperors…”

He casually placed the empty ceramic cup on the stone railing, making a crisp sound that echoed in the quiet night.

"Zhu Wen's usurpation of the Tang Dynasty was nothing more than a new retelling of an old drama. In the beginning, he also prepared his troops, intending to quell the regional warlords and revitalize the court. How spirited he was! But what was the result? If I were to hastily declare myself emperor, I would inevitably be coerced by those 'meritorious officials' and those powerful local lords, bound by the old rules. They would only demand that I compromise with the old system and obstruct the new policies. If I were to ascend the throne in this way, how would I be any different from Zhu Wen back then? It would be nothing more than a change of name without substance, merely setting the stage for another cycle of chaos."

Shuliduo listened quietly, the gentle moonlight bathing her upturned face. At this moment, Xiao Yan was no longer the man who forcefully took her in bed, causing her to succumb to his charms, nor the commander who commanded armies on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies. He was now a true ruler, illuminating history and planning for the future of the world. The weight on his brow and the sharp glint in his eyes stirred her heart as always.

The admiration and approval in her eyes spread silently in circles like a stone thrown into a lake, the ripples spreading further and further, reaching unfathomable depths.

"Then what does Jiulang want?" She asked softly.

"Abolish the military governorship system."

Xiao Yan's gaze was sharp and resonant, like the sound of metal striking the ground. He leaned forward slightly and said, word by word, "Completely sever the foundation of regional separatism, transfer all military power in the country to the central imperial army, establish officials appointed to govern prefectures and counties, conduct assessments every three years, and prohibit them from serving in one place for too long, thus cutting off the soil for them to amass military power and cultivate private cliques."

"Equalize land distribution. Suppress the land annexation by powerful clans and distribute land to the people. However, this may be possible at the beginning of the founding of the nation, but it will inevitably be disrupted in the next hundred years. Therefore, it is necessary to improve productivity. New agricultural tools such as Champa rice and waterwheels should be popularized and developed. We must build up strength for this policy, first increase the people's food supply, and then consolidate the foundation of the people."

"Break down the powerful clans. Break down the class distinctions and local magnates that have remained since the Wei and Jin dynasties, truly implement the imperial examination system in every household, open up avenues for the poor to enter the system, and establish a bureaucratic system that is truly loyal to the court, rather than to a particular place or general."

"Promote education. Establish the Imperial Academy in Bianliang and official schools in various prefectures to educate the people, unify their hearts, and cultivate talents that can serve the new dynasty. Compile the classics of the northern deserts to integrate the Han and non-Han peoples and eliminate the barriers between them."

“Establish laws. Abolish the cruel and private punishments of the regional military governors, and promulgate unified laws that are universal, fair, and transparent. Clarify rights and responsibilities, restrain powerful families, and protect the common people. Even if the emperor breaks the law, he will be punished the same as the common people. Under the law, all people are equal.”

Xiao Yan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the long night, and said, "These five points are all ruthless. They touch upon the very lifeblood of those in power and those who have already benefited. Most of those who urge me to ascend the throne early hope to use their 'meritorious service in supporting the new dynasty's establishment' to exchange for my compromise with these old systems. If I were to sit on that throne now, I would be tying my own hands and feet, unable to move an inch. Therefore—"

He turned around and looked directly at Shulido.

"The ascension to the throne can be delayed, but the new policies must be implemented. Even if it brings criticism, even if it temporarily destabilizes the hearts of those who call it 'people's hearts,' we must first firmly establish the foundation of these new policies on this ravaged land. When the new policies begin to show results, when the hearts of the people truly submit, when the time is ripe, then the throne will truly be the rightful mandate of heaven, not just another crown for a warlord."

On the terrace, even the night breeze seemed to have stopped. Shuliduo gazed at the man before her, her heart surging like a raging storm. She knew Xiao Yan was a man of great vision and lofty ambitions, but she had never heard him declare so openly and powerfully. This ambition, so ahead of its time, made her very soul tremble!
Her eyes blazed with intense light. She took a step forward, almost touching Xiao Yan, and tilted her head back. Her beautiful eyes, both heroic and charming, shone brightly in the moonlight.

“Jiulang’s ambition is as clear as the sun and moon in the sky, and even the mountains and rivers should bow down to it. I am completely convinced and prostrate myself in admiration. However, precisely because of this, I believe that Jiulang should immediately accept this destiny.”

Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened slightly, gesturing for her to continue.

Shuliduo then said, “The eighteen tribes of the grasslands fear power but do not cherish virtue. They only recognize one supreme Khan, an unparalleled authority who can command all tribes and decide life and death. The people of the Central Plains have endured a century of chaos and turmoil, with bones exposed in the wilderness and no roosters crowing for miles. Their hearts yearn for stability, and they live in constant fear. They need a true Son of Heaven to unite their hopes and proclaim the arrival of peace. This title is not an empty honor, but a title that unites all directions and commands the world.”

"Jiulang, think this over. Without this title, your new policies will be seen by those opportunistic and ambivalent military governors and powerful clans as nothing more than the decrees of a powerful warlord, a form of tyranny rather than benevolent rule. They can feign compliance while secretly hindering you, or even launch a counterattack under the guise of 'purging the emperor's inner circle' to carry out their own separatist regime. Only when you ascend to the throne will you be the emperor. Only then will your decrees be the mandate of heaven! Only then will your blade be aimed at acting on behalf of heaven! This is the general trend; with a legitimate title, your words will be lawful, and with lawful words, your actions will succeed!"

She paused, her chest heaving with excitement, her gaze fixed intently on Xiao Yan's eyes, each word spoken with resounding force:

"I grew up on the grasslands, witnessing the survival of the fittest, the rise and fall of tribes, and I have also read extensively in the history books of the Central Plains. Never before has anyone possessed such unparalleled martial prowess to sweep across the land, nor such grand ambition to reshape the world, nor such extraordinary talent and strategy as Jiulang. I firmly believe that only you can forge this unprecedented Nine Cauldrons. The northern deserts are willing to be our eternal bulwark, and I... am also willing to give my all to help Jiulang build this magnificent undertaking!"

Xiao Yan's gaze flickered slightly, then he fell silent, shifting his gaze from Shuliduo's excited and devout face to the northern city beneath his feet, which had recently fallen into slumber and changed hands.

The moonlight outlined the winding contours of the city wall, and in the distance, the scattered markets where Han and non-Han people lived together could be vaguely seen.

Xiao Yan suddenly spoke up: "This place guards the throat of Yinshan Mountain, connecting the northern desert with the Central Plains. For hundreds of years, the Han and Hu people have lived together, their bloodlines intertwined. I have decided that from this day forward, this place will no longer be called Yunzhou."

Shuliduo was slightly taken aback: "Then..."

"Renamed Datong".

“Datong?” Shuliduo repeated softly, savoring the two words, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

“Not bad, Datong.” Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the tranquil outline of the city under the moonlight, over the hazy shadows of Yinshan Mountain in the distance, and finally landed on Shuliduo’s face as he laughed loudly.

"The Great Harmony means that the world belongs to all. It is derived from the idea of ​​'Han and Hu living in harmony, one family under heaven.' There is no inherent hierarchy or social status among the Han and Hu people. Agriculture and sericulture can enrich the land, and animal husbandry and hunting can also provide for the people. I want to start from this place and eliminate the centuries-old hatred and estrangement, so that the Han people, Khitan, Xi, Shiwei... and even the various ethnic groups that will submit in the future, can exchange goods and live in harmony, each in their own way, and all respect the same path. This is not an expedient measure, but the foundation of the nation! The name Great Harmony is my will!"

“Datong...the world belongs to all...the Han and the Hu are one family…” Shuliduo murmured to herself, knowing full well that this was not just changing a place name, but also the first cornerstone of the ideal world in Xiao Yan’s heart.

Such a man, with a heart as vast as the ocean and eyes as fiery as a torch, was indeed the true conqueror who made her wholeheartedly follow him and willingly offer everything.

An indescribable sense of pride and a surge of tenderness welled up within her, causing Shuliduo to tremble slightly. But she immediately lowered her head, suppressing her turbulent emotions, and spoke in a very soft voice, with a hint of barely perceptible trepidation.

“Jiulang’s ambition is as clear as the sun and moon, and I admire it wholeheartedly. My vow to make the northern desert a bulwark for eternity will never change.” She paused, her tone tinged with a cautious concern, “However… as the widow of the Yelü clan, I fear that serving Jiulang would tarnish his reputation and invite gossip. Although Jiulang is not afraid of slander, he would find it difficult to bear such trouble. I am already fortunate to be able to serve Jiulang, and I dare not ask for any title.”

She raised her eyes, her gaze complex as she looked at Xiao Yan, her voice even lower:
"Zhiwu is young and beautiful, possesses the power of a great shaman, and has a noble status. If she stays in Bianliang for too long, it may attract criticism and be detrimental to Jiulang's reputation. After much thought, I think... perhaps... Zhiwu should formally marry Jiulang as his concubine? In this way, she will have a proper home, and the right to do so will allow her to serve Jiulang with greater peace of mind in the northern desert. I only wish to spend the rest of my life managing some trivial matters in the northern desert for Jiulang, and that will be enough."

Xiao Yan was taken aback at first, then looked at her quietly. Under the moonlight, Shuliduo's face was a complex mix of anticipation, melancholy, and the complex emotions of a former queen, even the relinquishment of feelings. It was hard to describe in a few words.

He suddenly smiled, and instead of directly answering the question about Yelü Zhiwu, he reached out and gently brushed her dark hair, which was scattered on her shoulders and ruffled by the night wind.

“You are wrong. When I, Xiao Yan, act, have I ever been afraid of what others say? You are Shuliduo, the Empress Dowager of the Northern Desert who helped me establish my rule in the north and support the grasslands, and you are also my woman, Xiao Yan’s woman. All the past events have passed with the wind and are not worth mentioning. No one can replace you in my position, and you have no need to belittle yourself.”

His fingers lingered on her smooth, slightly flushed cheek, his gaze fixed on her sparkling eyes: "As for Ao Gu... she is still young, her temperament unsettled, like a rough gem waiting to be polished. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, there's no need to rush it. Let her see more of Bianliang, learn more about the etiquette and culture of the Central Plains, broaden her horizons, and distinguish right from wrong. If she is interested in the future, or perhaps finds a suitable husband, and they are mutually in love, then it's not too late to discuss it further. For now, don't belittle yourself, and certainly don't use her as a bargaining chip to maintain the relationship."

Xiao Yan withdrew his hand, placed it behind his back, and looked again at the outline of the city that would soon bear the ideal of 'Han-Hu unity'.

“You are all people I need to protect. I understand your intentions, but let’s not bring this up again. If I want a world of harmony and openness, how can I not allow a Shuliduo to stand upright beside me? Rumors and gossip can be cut down with swords. The benefits of the new policies can win the hearts of the people. What is there to fear?”

These words instantly dispelled the last bit of unease and concern in Shuliduo's heart caused by her identity. Gazing at the tall, mountain-like figure with a heart as vast as the ocean under the moonlight, she bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes shimmering with tears, the intense sense of belonging and admiration almost overflowing.

Just then, the door leading from the inner room to the terrace was gently pushed open with a creak.

The surrendered minister was wrapped in a silk blouse that barely covered her ample curves, and a shockingly short, same-colored gauze skirt that lazily outlined her breathtaking waist and hip curves, revealing two straight, slender, and fair legs that shimmered softly in the moonlight.

She stood barefoot on the floor, holding an exquisite silver wine pot in her hand. Her eyes were still sleepy, showing a charming impatience at being disturbed from her sweet dreams, yet also exuding a natural, languid allure.

She leaned casually against the doorframe, her gaze lazily sweeping over Xiao Yan and Shu Liduo, who stood side by side by the balcony railing. Her gaze lingered for a moment on the oversized robe Xiao Yan had worn on Shu Liduo. Looking at her almost watery eyes and slightly reddened rims, a playful yet alluring smile played on her lips as she drawled out a long, nasal tone:

"Hey, it's the middle of the night. You two have finished your 'business' and still have the leisure to admire the moon and stars here?" She shook the wine pot in her hand, the wine making a soft sound inside. "What were you talking about? Perhaps you found it too hot inside and came out to get some fresh air and rest before continuing... discussing important matters in the Northern Frontier? Or have you changed the location for your important discussions?"

Just then, the night breeze lifted her disheveled hair and the hem of her thin short skirt, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful figure that could drive any man mad. The moonlight flowed over her skin, like the finest white jade.

Xiao Yan turned around at the sound and saw the surrendered minister's posture—a posture of interrogation yet also one of captivating charm and allure. Far from being annoyed, he burst into loud laughter. His hearty and unrestrained laughter echoed through the silent night sky, as if dispelling all heavy worries and hesitations, leaving only an air of dominance over the world.

He simply stretched out his hand and beckoned to the fairy in the moonlight: "Come here."

The surrendered minister curled his lip, rolled his eyes in a way that could topple empires, and muttered, "Disturbing my peaceful dreams, how domineering," but his feet naturally shuffled over, pretending to be unwilling. As soon as he got close, Xiao Yan stretched out his long arm and firmly embraced his slender, boneless waist, then pressed him tightly against his side.

With his left hand, Xiao Yan tightly embraced the soft, fragrant body of the surrendered minister, which was still sleepy and smelled of wine. With his right hand, he naturally pulled Shuliduo, whose cheeks were slightly flushed and whose heart was pounding, into his arms as well.

On his left and right, two women of vastly different backgrounds and personalities, yet both stunningly beautiful, were embraced by him with an air of absolute possession.

He held them close, his gaze passing over the stone railing of the terrace, over the slumbering city of Yunzhou, and towards the vast, boundless southern landscape, lurking in the deep night, about to be completely awakened and reshaped by him.

Xiao Yan's long laughter echoed in the night wind, a chuckle in response to the surrendered minister's playful question.

"We're talking about the picturesque landscape, about your husband's—'The picturesque landscape'!"

(End of this chapter)