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

Chapter 495 Jiangling Rain

Inside a private residence outside Jiangling Prefecture, Gao Jixing lay prostrate on the ground, his forehead pressed tightly against the earth, each breath accompanied by a noticeable tremor, terrified beyond belief.

It was as if he were kneeling before not a young man in an ordinary blue robe, but a god who held the reins of life and death and controlled the universe. The armor he wore, now covered in dust and cold sweat from his journey, pressed tightly against his stiff back, so heavy that he could hardly breathe.

Behind him, a dark mass of cavalry knelt down, not daring to utter a sound. Occasionally, their armor would rub together, producing a faint clanging sound, which would then quickly fall silent, for fear that the slightest extra sound would bring about their annihilation.

The refugees inside huddled in a corner, their eyes shifting bewilderedly between the kneeling military governor and the man in blue robes, unsure of what to do.

But Xiao Yan ignored the lowly military governor at the door, and simply got up and walked towards Chi Meng, who was staring blankly at him.

Her veil fell off, revealing her indigo-blue robes, which shone brightly in the autumn sun. Compared to her usual purplish-red attire, they were less flamboyant and more elegant. The blue robe, paired with a touch of red on her lower lip, gave her a playful and adorable yet chivalrous air, though it was unclear who she had adopted her style from.

Chi Meng's face was still wet with tears, her eyes were red, and her gaze was filled with shock, confusion, surprise, and a hint of shyness and embarrassment. Her lips moved slightly, but she, who was usually so outspoken, could not utter a sound at this moment.

Xiao Yan took two steps closer to her and casually brushed away a tear that was about to fall from her cheek with his fingertips.

"What's wrong?" he chuckled softly, "It's only been two years, and you don't recognize your little pot? Or have I changed so much that I scared our little saintess of the Ten Thousand Poisons Cave?"

The warmth of his fingertips seeped through her skin, carrying a hint of autumn coolness, yet inexplicably burning Chi Meng's heart. He gently wiped away the tear that clung to her cheek, the movement practiced and natural, as if he had done it a thousand times before.

That familiar yet slightly teasing "Little Pot" was like a key, instantly unlocking the floodgates of her long-hidden emotions. All her forced composure, bewildered helplessness, and even that inappropriate shyness crumbled in that familiar, teasing tone.

A flood of emotions overwhelmed her, making her nose sting and her eyes burn. The fierceness she had displayed when confronting the bully, and the stubbornness she had shown while walking alone, vanished in an instant.

She suddenly sobbed, but finally came to her senses. Then, without thinking, she buried her face in Xiao Yan's arms, clutching his blue robe tightly with both hands, as if afraid that if she let go, the person in front of her would turn into a phantom.

Tears instantly soaked the fabric of Xiao Yan's shirt, and a sobbing voice escaped from his arms: "You...you scared me to death! Waaah...how did you suddenly appear here...how did you know I was here? They're all kneeling before you...that wicked governor is kneeling too...I thought...I thought I had mistaken you for someone else...but you recognize me..."

Overwhelmed with joy and surprise, Chi Meng choked up more and more as she spoke, unable to continue her words, only her tears flowing even more fiercely.

Xiao Yan smiled and gently embraced her, a hint of apology flashing in his eyes, his voice still gentle: "I promised to come pick you up, and I definitely will. It's just that I was busy with official business, so I was a little late. I wanted to give you a surprise, but I ended up watching a good show instead."

His gaze swept over the limp, soaked in the crotch of the shopkeeper and the group of pale-faced refugees huddled together, his smile still gentle: "You've seen the boasts I made before. Please wait a moment while I take care of some trivial matters."

Upon hearing this, Chi Meng suddenly remembered her surroundings and became somewhat embarrassed. She looked up at Xiao Yan's face, a blush rising to her cheeks. She let go of his hand, but then awkwardly tugged at his sleeve. Looking at the shopkeeper, she seemed like a wronged child who had finally found someone to rely on, and instantly became righteous and assertive.

"Little brother, they're clearly too wicked! They charge five coins for a bowl of water, ten coins for a rest, and force people to sign labor contracts if they can't pay!"

"Mmm." Xiao Yan responded softly, patting her head very naturally. "I saw it all."

His gaze then turned to Gao Jixing, who was crawling on the ground, not daring to lift his head, and his eyes darkened slightly.

Just then, an even more rapid and intense sound of horses' hooves came from outside the pavilion. The horseshoes struck the road like a sudden rain pounding on banana leaves, swift and orderly.

In the blink of an eye, Zhong Xiaokui's petite and dashing figure appeared at the door. Upon seeing the hundreds of cavalrymen kneeling outside the pavilion, her eyes sharpened, and she immediately waved her hand. Dozens of night watchmen behind her instantly rode forward, silently controlling all the exits and subtly separating the cavalrymen brought by Gao Jixing.

Zhong Xiaokui originally wanted to go up and pay her respects to Xiao Yan immediately, but when she saw his gaze and glanced at the dozens of refugees in the shop, she immediately understood. She simply ordered a few night scouts to go to the kitchen to get some food and water to comfort the refugees who were still in shock.

Several other people followed Zhong Xiaokui into the hall. They were Li Cunren and Li Cunli, who wore half-masks to cover their cold and beautiful faces, Zhang Xuanling, who was dressed in a Taoist robe and had regained some of his otherworldly demeanor in the past month, and a Taoist woman in her thirties with a gentle temperament.

Seeing the scene inside the hall, especially the prostrate Jingnan military governor Gao Jixing, the four of them were either surprised or understanding, but they quickly composed themselves, lowered their heads and stood quietly to the side, or curiously and cautiously looked at Chi Meng beside Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan, however, paid no heed. He simply took the hand of the girl beside him and strolled to the entrance of the residence, gazing at the dark mass of kneeling Jingnan soldiers outside. The autumn wind rustled the hem of his blue robe as it swept across the threshold.

His main purpose in traveling south was, of course, to personally pick up Chi Meng and fulfill his promise. However, he also brought Zhang Xuanling, who had regained his senses, and his wife, the High Priestess Xu Huan, with him. The plan was to make a brief stop in Jiangling and then send them south to Jiangnan to find Zhang Zifan and settle the matter of the father and son's karma with Li Siyuan.

In addition, Xiao Yan deliberately let Ye Bu Shou leak the news, accurately "leaking" the information that he had gone to Jiangling Prefecture incognito to Gao Jixing.

This is the final test for Gao Jixing. If he can immediately go out of the city to find him, kneel down and beg for forgiveness upon hearing the news, it will show some fear and pragmatism. Perhaps his life can be spared for observation.

If they hesitate, feign ignorance, or even plot something sinister, it proves that their hearts are beyond redemption. In that case, what awaits the Gao family of Jingnan will not be the current situation, but the iron cavalry of the Guide Army rushing straight to the north outside Jiangling City, as well as the edict to exterminate their three clans, clearing the flank obstacles for the upcoming southern expedition.

However, Gao Jixing's timely arrival did buy him a glimmer of hope. Seeing that he was fully armored and escorted by hundreds of cavalry, one could tell that he had hesitated and was cautious before setting off, but once he arrived, he had arrived; at least he didn't dare to actually try to stop the chariot.

“Gao Jiedushi…” Xiao Yan finally spoke, his tone steady, even carrying a hint of a smile, “No, perhaps I should address you as ‘King of Jing’? After all, according to reports from various quarters, in Jingnan, you set up checkpoints to collect taxes, robbed merchants, and your ceremonial procession was almost on par with that of a king. Along the way, it has truly broadened my horizons and made me deeply appreciate how Jingnan ‘promotes the prestige of the court’ and ‘announces my new policies’ to all corners of the world.”

Gao Jixing shuddered violently, fell to the ground and turned around in a sorry state, kowtowing repeatedly to Xiao Yan beside him, about to beg for mercy.

Xiao Yan did not stop, which made Gao Jixing dare not interrupt for a moment.

"My army is stationed in Xiangfan, and I have issued a decree to the south of the Yangtze River, ordering all parties to facilitate the refugees who have fled north and grant them a way to survive. Only your Jiangling Prefecture not only refuses to let the imperial army out of the country, but also exploits the refugees passing through at every level, even condoning the powerful and forcing them into slavery, cutting off their means of survival. Gao Jixing, tell me, do you intend to turn this Jingnan into your Gao family's impregnable empire, or do you think my sword is not sharp enough to cut through the thorns along this tributary of the Yangtze River?"

He paused slightly, his gaze returning to the muddy figure at his feet. When he spoke again, his voice was chilling: "Just now, I was considering whether to exterminate only your Gao family relatives as a warning to others, or to follow the law... and bring disaster upon three generations?"

"Sage! Sage, please calm your anger! Sage, please have mercy!" Gao Jixing could no longer hold on. He suddenly looked up, his forehead was covered in blood and flesh, and tears streamed down his face.

"Your Majesty, I have no intention of defying Your Majesty's will. It is truly... truly that I am old and senile, lax in my governance, and incompetent in managing my subordinates, which has allowed villains to cause trouble and offend Your Majesty's ears! All the blame lies with me alone! I beg Your Majesty to have mercy and take only my head. I am willing to submit to the law! I am even willing to endure the agony of being slowly sliced ​​to death! I beg Your Majesty... to spare the lives of my family! They... they are innocent!"

In despair, he turned to Chi Meng and kowtowed repeatedly, pleading, "Maid, you are kind-hearted, I beg you... I beg you to have mercy and say a few good words for this sinful subject! This sinful subject knows he was wrong! He truly knows he was wrong! This sinful subject will repay your great kindness by being a cow or a horse in his next life!"

Chi Meng was startled by his sudden action and subconsciously took a half step back, hiding beside Xiao Yan.

Looking at Gao Jixing's pitiful and pathetic appearance, she wrinkled her nose, snorted, and finally spoke her mind: "Hmph! You are the biggest bully. These unscrupulous merchants and corrupt officials dare to act so lawlessly because you, the highest-ranking official, are condoning it, or even instigating it! You are even more despicable than this black-hearted shopkeeper. I will not plead for you!"

Chi Meng's words were straightforward, just like her personality, instantly turning Gao Jixing's face pale. After speaking, Chi Meng turned her head and stood firmly beside Xiao Yan, refusing to look at Gao Jixing again.

As for the shopkeeper, he had already fainted from fright and was being dragged along like a dead dog by two night scouts.

Xiao Yan nodded slightly to Chi Meng with a gratified expression, then glanced coldly at Gao Jixing and said in a low voice, "Considering that you are still aware of the times, exterminating your three clans is perhaps too much of a killing. But your crimes should not be lightly forgiven either."

Upon hearing this, Gao Jixing immediately breathed a sigh of relief, but then froze in place, ready to await his fate.

Xiao Yan simply stood with his hands behind his back, facing out of the shop, and said in a calm tone, "The Corpse Ancestor Drought Demon has recently developed a technique for precisely blasting rocks and mining veins, and he needs a large number of people to test it in the Hedong mine. Gao Jixing, if you want to live, I will give you and your relatives a chance to redeem yourselves through meritorious service."

Before Gao Jixing could hurriedly express his gratitude, Xiao Yan continued, "From this day forward, all your official titles and ranks are hereby stripped. You are to lead your relatives within three degrees of kinship to Hedong immediately, to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Drought Demon Ancestor, and serve in the mines for three years. If you can survive three years without dying and without committing any offenses, then your crimes will be pardoned, and you will be demoted to commoners."

"A mine?" Gao Jixing was stunned, unable to understand what this job meant. Was it hard labor? Or another form of death penalty?

Xiao Yan stopped looking at him, as if dealing with a military governor was a trivial matter.

He simply pointed to the shopkeeper, who had been slapped awake by the Night Watchman and was now limp and incontinent again, and gave orders to Zhong Xiao Kui and the Night Watchman:

"Start with this scoundrel, and thoroughly investigate him for me. Uncover the entire black market supply chain in Jiangling and even Jingnan, which forces people into slavery, sets up checkpoints for extortion, and preys on the people of Beitou, along with the government's protective umbrella. For every refugee rescued, one of their relatives involved in the case will be sacrificed to ensure that these people cooperate and do not harm the refugees. After the investigation is completed, all those involved, whether officials or merchants, will be sent to work in the mines of Hedong."

Having finished speaking, his gaze swept across the entire store, inside and out, like lightning, and he said in a cold voice:

"Furthermore, this decree shall be immediately promulgated to all towns, prefectures, and counties along the Yangtze River. The imperial court's policy of accepting the people of Jiangnan remains unchanged. From this day forward, if any official or powerful figure dares to outwardly comply but inwardly defy it, failing to actively guide and treat the people well, and instead exploiting and persecuting the people of Beitou in this manner, once discovered, the ringleaders shall be executed, their property confiscated, their families exiled, and the three clans of the ringleaders exterminated. I, the king, will keep my word."

Once the order was given, the night scouts acted immediately, like wolves among sheep, dragging the manager and his gang of servants away. Their cries of agony and pleas for mercy quickly faded into the distance. The refugees were led aside to register and be settled, their fear gradually fading, replaced by disbelief, bewilderment, and gratitude.

Only then did many people belatedly realize who the person in front of them was.

Xiao Yan seemed to have a great weight lifted off his shoulders, his fierce aura slightly subsided, and he left someone to handle things behind. He didn't linger, but simply reached out and grasped Chi Meng's wrist naturally: "Let's go."

Chi Meng obediently followed him, but her eyes still curiously glanced at Gao Jixing, whose face was ashen, and the Taoist couple with peculiar temperaments beside him. Finally, she took a closer look at Li Cunren, who, despite his deliberate attempt to conceal his appearance, still had an explosive figure and a cold and beautiful face. She felt immense pressure in her heart.

Xiao Yan led her straight out of the pavilion. The guards quickly parted to make way, protecting both sides. Gao Jixing, as if waking from a dream, stumbled to his feet with the help of several personal guards, and followed, urging his men repeatedly, "Quick! Quickly, protect the Emperor! Escort the Emperor back to the city!"

Outside the pavilion, Zhong Xiaokui had already led over a magnificent warhorse to wait. Xiao Yan mounted the horse, then reached out and pulled Chi Meng onto its back as well, so that she sat in front of him.

Chi Meng let out a soft cry, her cheeks slightly flushed. She subconsciously grabbed the front of the saddle and leaned back slightly. She could feel the warmth and steady heartbeat behind her, and the myriad emotions churning in her heart seemed to have found a solid support.

Xiao Yan lightly flicked the reins and spurred his horse forward. Zhong Xiaokui, Li Cunren, and others quickly formed a protective circle around him, while Gao Jixing and his cavalry followed in a flustered manner. The group then headed towards Jiangling City.

The afternoon sun of autumn cast long shadows of them on the dusty official road.

On the way, Chi Meng finally calmed down a little from the huge shock and excitement of the reunion. She leaned against Xiao Yan's chest, looked up, and could see his well-defined jawline, which seemed like a dream. She was both happy and shy, and admired him even more for his power in dealing with a local governor with a wave of his hand.

Then, her innate liveliness began to resurface. Countless questions swirled in her mind, eventually escalating into a series of soft sounds accompanied by the clatter of horses' hooves.

"Little buddy, are you really the emperor? I heard them all calling you 'Long live the emperor.'" This question seemed silly, but everything she saw with her own eyes made her want to ask it again.

"Not yet." Xiao Yan glanced down at her and smiled. "Although the former emperor abdicated, the enthronement ceremony hasn't been held yet, so it's not official. This is called 'the title and position are not yet legitimate.'" "Oh...is Bianliang particularly large? Larger than Chengdu?"

“It is bigger. I’ll take you to see it when you get there,” Xiao Yan replied patiently.

"What's the difference between that drought demon corpse ancestor's explosion and fireworks... I've seen fireworks in Chengdu, so what's a mine?"

"It's even louder than fireworks. If you want to see it, I'll take you sometime. There are fireworks in Bianliang at night too, but I don't know if they're as good as the ones you've seen."

"Of course it looks good," Chi Meng said confidently. "With Little Pot by my side, everything looks good!"

Xiao Yan couldn't help but laugh loudly, looking at the obedient profile of the girl in his arms, and then said, "A mine is a coal mine. This stuff is related to the national economy. If it is mined and used properly, it will surely promote the development of the world, improve people's livelihood, and enhance national strength. In short, it is a good thing."

Chi Meng seemed to understand, but not quite, and asked some more questions. She was quite surprised to learn that coal could replace firewood.

Finally, with a mixture of caution and complicated emotions, she asked softly, "How are Princess Consort and Sister Xue'er doing? Are their children adorable? I heard they've both given birth... And what about the Thousand Crow Cave Master? She chased you for hundreds of miles back then..."

“They are all well. The Princess Consort has given birth to a son, whose nickname is Aji. Xue’er will need some more time. Qianwu is the head steward of the Prince’s mansion and has already made arrangements for you, just waiting for your arrival.” Xiao Yan paused, then added gently, “They often mention you as well.”

Chi Meng's nose stung again, and she quickly lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the reins: "Are my parents alright? Have they tried to explain to you? Are they furious that I secretly ran away?" She remembered her letter about "venturing into the world" and only now realized how willful she had been.

Xiao Yan chuckled lightly: "Don't worry. I already knew about you when I sent someone with the imperial decree to welcome you to the capital and the betrothal gifts. As for my father-in-law and mother-in-law... they must be both angry and happy. However..." He added with a hint of teasing, "The censors along the way were watching you every night. You traveled around, enjoying the scenery and experiencing the local customs. Although they were worried, they knew you were safe."

Chi Meng's cheeks flushed instantly, and she thought to herself how amazing Xiao Guoguo was; it turned out he knew everything.

She recalled what she had seen and heard along the way, the people's praise of "King Qin" and "Crown Prince," and his swift and decisive actions in dealing with Gao Jixing and issuing strict orders. The pride and excitement in her heart surged again.

"You really made so many countries come to pay homage to you? What is the Heavenly Khan?" She looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"It is merely a title shared by envoys from the steppe tribes and neighboring states to the east. It signifies their willingness to submit and accept my jurisdiction and laws."

Xiao Yan smiled casually: "In the end, it is about stopping the war and allowing border residents to live in peace and merchants to travel freely, just like Raojiang back then."

His answer was concise yet showed no impatience. Chi Meng nodded, seemingly understanding, and then chattered on about her experiences along the way—where she saw the newly built waterwheel, where she ate strange fruits, and where she heard people praising the King of Qin. Xiao Yan mostly listened with a smile, occasionally responding with a word or two.

The horse's hooves clattered on the slightly bumpy dirt road. Behind her were the menacing scouts and the terrified Jingnan soldiers; before her lay the vast plains and the faint outline of Jiangling city. Chi Meng sat on her horse, feeling the gentle breeze on her face, and suddenly felt incredibly at ease. All her previous worries and anxieties vanished under the presence of the man behind her.

So she stopped asking questions, and simply leaned against him quietly, listening to his steady heartbeat and rhythmic hoofbeats, watching the fields and villages on both sides of the official road recede into the autumn colors.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Jiangling City, the scenery had already changed.

Yu Zhong, the commander of Guide Army, led his elite troops to take over the city's defenses and led his generals and civil and military officials who originally belonged to Gao Jixing in Jiangling City to greet him by the roadside.

Meanwhile, the Guide Army's troops lined up along the roadside, their armor gleaming, their swords and spears like a forest, their military bearing imposing and awe-inspiring. This made the cavalry behind Gao Jixing even more terrified, like stray dogs.

Upon seeing Xiao Yan approaching on horseback, Yu Zhong knelt down on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "Your subject, Yu Zhong, Commander of the Palace Guards, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty. The defense of Jiangling has been initially taken over; Your Majesty, please give your instructions!"

Behind him, the generals and soldiers all knelt down in unison, their shouts deafening: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The city's officials, soldiers, and civilians knelt in a dense mass on both sides of the road, filled with fear and unease. At the same time, countless eyes secretly rose, peering with awe at the figures on horseback—the emperor who was about to rule the world and the girl from Raojiang in his arms.

Xiao Yan reined in his horse, glanced at Yu Zhong and his men, and nodded slightly: "Let the people get up. What you need to do now is to enforce military discipline, appease the people, and strictly inspect their comings and goings. There may be changes in Jiangnan, so you need to make preparations as soon as possible."

After saying this, he turned back and gave a few instructions to Li Cunren, Li Cunli, and Zhang Xuanling and his wife, asking them to help manage the affairs of the city, especially Li Cunli, who was to be in charge of the rectification of officialdom.

"Your subjects obey the decree!" Yu Zhong and Li Cunli and others received the order in turn, escorting Xiao Yan into the city. Yu Zhong's gaze occasionally swept over the disheveled Gao Jixing. He had long wanted to kill this Jingnan military governor who had blocked him outside the city for months.

Gao Jixing was startled by Yu Zhong's gaze, and his survival instinct once again overwhelmed everything.

He scrambled to Xiao Yanma's feet, his voice trembling with sobs and desperate urgency: "Your Majesty! This sinful subject...this sinful subject is willing to atone for his sins with meritorious service! This sinful subject is quite familiar with the towns of Jiangnan and is willing to feign surrender to the false emperor to lure his troops to Jiangling! To help Your Majesty decisively defeat the false dynasty's troops in Chu! I only beg...I only beg Your Majesty to give this sinful subject a chance!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhong spoke coldly, his tone harsh and without the slightest politeness: "Gao Laizi, it's not that I'm being mean. Given the current state of Jiangling, with its corrupt officials and decadent bureaucracy, it's likely already been thoroughly infiltrated by unscrupulous individuals. Your feigned surrender will probably not fool the cunning old foxes like Xu Wen and Zhang Hao, and will only make you a laughingstock."

Gao Jixing's face turned deathly pale, his lips trembled, but he was unable to refute.

Just then, a younger voice rang out, carrying a hint of suppressed tension and an attempt to appear calm: "Your Highness, the Prince of Qin, your guilty subject Gao Conghui, humbly requests Your Majesty's permission..."

Everyone looked up and saw a man in his thirties kneeling down from among the civil and military officials of the Gao family behind Yu Zhong. He was Gao Jixing's eldest son, Gao Conghui. Although he was also pale, his eyes were clearer and calmer than his father's.

Yu Zhong frowned and was about to wave his hand to have someone take him away when Xiao Yan waved his hand slightly. He ordered people to disperse the frightened people and instructed Li Cunli and others to perform their duties. He then led Chi Meng and the Gao family into the city and into the Jiedushi's mansion.

Upon entering the main hall of the yamen, Gao Conghui bowed again and said urgently:
"Your Highness. The ten prefectures of Jingnan are small and impoverished. After the wars during the reign of Emperor Xizong, the cities and towns were devastated and ravaged. Although my father made mistakes after taking office, he did indeed comfort the refugees, encourage agriculture, and strive to maintain peace in the region. He did not allow his troops to massacre the city, nor did he commit any heinous acts of cruelty to the people. In the past... in the past, he was fickle, set up checkpoints to collect taxes, and robbed merchants. This was only because the world was in turmoil and powerful vassals surrounded him. He had no choice but to deal with these matters in order to protect the borders and the people... He never intended to resist the wrath of Heaven. Now that the Sage has appeared and the unification of the world is imminent, my Gao family is willing to do our utmost to serve him and atone for our mistakes!"

Meeting the expectant gazes of Gao Jixing and his brothers and relatives, he gritted his teeth and kowtowed, continuing, "This humble subject is unworthy, but is willing to go to Yangzhou as a hostage. Perhaps this will lower the guard of the false dynasty, and if there is an opportunity, I may also be able to investigate their true strength and weaknesses, and instigate a rebellion... I only ask that Your Highness understand the humble contribution of the Gao family and our repentant heart!"

Chi Meng listened nervously, wondering how she, as the Holy Maiden, should handle such a situation in Raojiang. She kept glancing at Xiao Yan, who remained seated calmly in the main seat after listening to Gao Conghui's explanation.
"Merit is merit, and fault is fault. Your Gao family may have made some minor contributions, but tolerating exploitation, secretly colluding with the false dynasty, and resisting the imperial army are major faults. Even if you make meritorious contributions in the future, merits and faults must be clearly distinguished and rewarded or punished. How can they be offset against each other? Gao Conghui, do you think that a little hard work can offset the crime of disloyalty?"

Gao Conghui was speechless for a moment, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

But then Xiao Yan's gaze returned to Gao Jixing's pale face, and he said indifferently, "However, you, Gao Jixing, have a clever son."

Upon hearing this, Gao Jixing felt as if a drowning man had grasped a floating weed, unsure whether to laugh or cry. He could only kowtow repeatedly, saying, "My son is ignorant, my son is arrogant. Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty... This sinful subject... This sinful subject..."

By the end, he was incoherent.

Xiao Yan said no more and remained noncommittal about Gao Conghui's plan, simply waving his hand.

Zhong Xiaokui understood and immediately ordered, "Guards, escort Governor Gao and his family back to their residence to rest. They must be strictly 'protected,' and no one is to disturb them without His Highness's decree!"

Ye Bushou stepped forward and "escorted" the limp Gao Jixing and the others, including Gao Conghui, who had a complicated expression, away.

After the Gao father and son were taken away, Xiao Yan, still wanting Chi Meng to stick close to him, took her with him and summoned the generals of the Guide Army and some key officials in Jiangling City.

Xiao Yan first dealt with a few urgent military matters and issued instructions on stabilizing the order in Jiangling, receiving refugees from the north, and preventing a surprise attack from the Southern Tang.

Throughout the process, Chi Meng curiously observed the majestic hall and the generals and officials coming and going. Occasionally, when a topic interested her, she would interject with a question or two. Xiao Yan would sometimes give a brief answer, and sometimes let her ponder it on her own. The atmosphere was strangely harmonious.

With the matter temporarily concluded, Xiao Yan dismissed everyone.

Only he and Chi Meng remained in the hall. As dusk fell and night descended, the crackling candlelight illuminated her slightly flushed cheeks.

Their eyes met, and the hustle and bustle of the journey seemed to vanish in an instant.

Chi Meng looked at Xiao Yan with bright eyes. Suddenly, she stopped chattering and her voice became very soft but serious: "Little brother, don't overthink it. It's not that I don't believe you will come to pick me up."

She paused, head bowed as if organizing her thoughts, then looked up, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes: "I just...miss you so much. I count down the days, the millet in the fields grows taller, then turns yellow, and is harvested; the leaves on the mountain fall, then quietly sprout again...I've seen it all. Look, I've even grown a little bit taller!"

She gestured, and when she saw Xiao Yan laugh, her eyes sparkled even more.

Although Chi Meng was shy, she still looked at Xiao Yan without reservation, seemingly unable to get enough of looking at her beloved, and then bravely confessed:

“I have always remembered your words, and I have heard that you have accomplished many great things and become the greatest emperor. I thought that I could not just sit in Raojiang like a little child and wait. I wanted to come and see for myself, to see if the Central Plains under your rule was really that good, to see if you were really as powerful as they said... I also wanted to see if you had forgotten what I looked like.”

As she spoke, she suddenly smiled sheepishly, revealing two sharp little tiger teeth: "But it seems I still caused you a little trouble, didn't I?"

Xiao Yan looked down at her, at his own reflection clearly in her eyes, and at the complex emotions on her face—a mixture of shyness, courage, dependence, and admiration.

Watching this little enchantress, who remained as passionate as ever, obedient, clever, strong, brave, and chivalrous as ever, gradually grow up, the ruthless decisiveness and imperial cunning that had long accompanied him seemed to quietly fade away at this moment.

He didn't answer those questions, but simply reached out and gently pulled her into his arms, his fingertips brushing against her cheek.

Chi Meng's heart began to beat faster, as if she had anticipated something. She was both expectant and shy, but she simply closed her eyes and leaned her soft body, which carried the fragrance of a young girl, against Xiao Yan.

Then, Xiao Yan leaned down and kissed her lips, which were still chattering and expressing their longing.

The flickering candlelight cast their embracing figures onto the wall, softening the edges and blurring the distance, leaving only the tranquility and warmth of the room.

Outside the window, a fine autumn rain falls over Jiangling.

(End of this chapter)