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

Chapter 502 Reigning Supreme (Part 1)

Beneath the salt marshland of Jieliang, the underground palace stands solemnly.

The eternal lamps, like stars, illuminated the entire underground palace perfectly, their light gathering just right on the white marble platform, reflecting that solitary and aloof figure.

Below the stage, the dense crowd knelt in silence, holding their breath. After the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" receded like the tide, a deeper silence remained.

All eyes were focused on the Imperial Seal, a symbol of destiny, and even more so on the person who wielded it.

Xiao Yan withdrew his gaze from the eight ancient insect and bird seal characters on the seal, and then casually put it into the treasure box. It was just an inanimate object, even if it was given a destiny, he never cared about it. If he could have it, he could have it; if he couldn't have it, then it was destiny.

This object may indeed be considered a national treasure, but compared to everything before us, its importance is far less. Haven't we seen throughout history how some emperors have burned themselves while holding the imperial seal? Only the one who possesses all of this, the one who forced the former to burn themselves, is the true ruler of the world.

He closed the box and turned to look at the audience: "Rise."

Everyone rose as instructed and stood respectfully with their heads bowed.

"Li Maozhen, Zhu Youwen."

"Your subject is here." The two men immediately stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the order.

"What is stored here is the legacy of the late emperor for the restoration of the dynasty, and it will also be the foundation for the new dynasty to nurture all people in the future."

Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the endless chests, sacks, and shelves in the underground palace: "You two are to be in charge of the shipment. Gold, silver, and copper coins, in equal quantities and batches, will be escorted by elite guards from the Palace Guard, transported safely to Bianjing via the Grand Canal and stored there. Li Maozhen will oversee the dispatch, and Zhu Youwen will lead his troops to escort and supervise the shipment along the way, clearing the waterways to ensure absolute safety. The Night Scouts will assist you. All passes and docks along the route must be closely monitored. Any thieves who dare to spy on you will be executed without mercy."

Li Maozhen seemed to react with surprise, but his movements were minimal. He and Zhu Youwen, who knew the weight of their responsibility, solemnly clasped their hands and said, "Your Majesty, we accept your command and will certainly not fail your trust!"

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the other side: "Feng Dao."

"The minister is here."

"Those rusted armors, piled up here, wasting time, will be transported to Taiyuan and melted down. You are hereby appointed Minister of Works to oversee the casting of them into plowshares, hoes, sickles... all tools beneficial to farming. After the spring, the court will allocate them to all prefectures and counties throughout the country, especially to areas still recovering from the wounds of war and lacking agricultural tools, to promote production."

Feng Dao's eyebrows twitched, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes. He bowed deeply: "Your Majesty's benevolence extends to all living beings. This old minister will immediately begin the process, ensuring that these weapons of war are transformed into nourishing rain for the people."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd again: "Zhang Wenwei."

"Your subject is here! Your subject is here!" The kind-hearted Zhang Wenwei was caught off guard and hurriedly stepped forward.

"Regarding the smelting and casting, the Ministry of Revenue must make a register and clarify the destination. If any official dares to embezzle or profit from it, he/she shall be punished for embezzling military funds. No matter who it is, the ringleader shall be exterminated along with his/her entire family, and the rest shall be executed by slow slicing."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Zhang Wenwei was startled, but immediately bowed his head.

After arranging these two most important matters, Xiao Yancai said to everyone: "The remaining cloth, grain, ancient books and other items shall be inventoried and cataloged by the night guards and the Ministry of Revenue, and disposed of as appropriate. Those that are moldy and unusable shall be distributed to the poor in Hedong Road or surrounding prefectures and counties; those that are intact shall be transported back to Bianjing in succession."

"Your Majesty, we obey..."

The order was given, and the officials immediately took up their respective duties. Leaving aside the temporary sealing off of some relevant areas, Xiao Yan also left Gongyang Zuo to assist Zhu Youwen in the full investigation and supervision of the operation. At the same time, he did not forget to tell Zhu Youwen that he could freely choose any of the so-called divine martial arts manuals in the underground palace, and after the selection was completed, they would be stored and cataloged.

After dealing with these matters, Xiao Yan slowly walked down from the high platform and personally handed the box containing the imperial seal to the Empress, who had been standing quietly in front of the crowd.

The Empress met his gaze, her phoenix eyes gleaming with undisguised brilliance, and said softly, "Your Highness."

Shuliduo, standing to the side, gazed at the treasure box that the Empress was carefully holding, her eyes momentarily captivated, but she quickly looked away and returned her gaze to Xiao Yan.

The underground palace was vast, and its treasures were astonishing. Surrounded by night watchmen, Xiao Yan, along with his ladies and high-ranking officials, toured this secret treasury, which had accumulated the wealth of the empire over three hundred years. Even he couldn't help but marvel at the sheer volume of gold, silver, grain, ancient books, and rare artifacts.

No wonder that in the late Tang Dynasty, when arrogant and fierce generals were everywhere, Emperor Zhaozong was still able to support the 100,000-strong Shence Army.

After leaving the underground palace, Xiao Yan only stayed at the temporary residence in Yanze for two days, finalizing the responsibilities and details of various matters one by one, and appointed Feng Dao as the Transport Commissioner of Jieliang and Li Ting as the Inspector of Taiyuan. On the third day, the imperial procession set off again.

The destination of this trip is Chang'an.

The former capital of the Tang Dynasty, having suffered calamities, has undergone simple repairs, but its scale is far from what it once was. Only the dilapidated city walls and the scattered remains of the tall palace foundations silently tell of its past glory in the vast天地 (heaven and earth).

The Ministry of Rites set up an altar on the remaining site of the Taiji Hall. Xiao Yan, dressed in sacrificial robes and holding the imperial seal, burned incense and prayed to Heaven, offered wine to comfort the ancestral temple, and read out the "Manifesto of Receiving the Mandate of Heaven" drafted by Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang and others.

The text traces the legitimacy of the Li Tang dynasty, recounts the suffering of Emperor Zhaozong and the upheaval of the empire, and elaborates on how Xiao Yan, as a direct descendant of Emperor Zhaozong, rose from humble beginnings to quell rival warlords, pacify the northern regions, subdue the barbarians, and ultimately lead the Zhu family to willingly return power to the Tang dynasty.

Around the altar stood solemn civil and military officials, a dense mass of imperial guards, and many Chang'an citizens who had come from afar, eagerly awaiting the news.

At that time, most of the people of Chang'an were forced to move to Luoyang, but some of them were still old residents of Chang'an. For these people, everything in front of them was truly like a dream.

They saw a young and majestic King of Qin, and the Li Tang imperial family once again offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth at the Taiji Palace. Many elderly people couldn't help but kneel down, tears streaming down their faces, murmuring indistinct words, whether lamenting past suffering or praying for future peace.

After the sacrificial ceremony, Xiao Yan toured Fengxiang again, summoned Liu Zhijun, who was unemployed in Fengxiang, and the civil and military officials of Fengxiang, and rewarded Fan Yintian, who had stayed in Fengxiang, as well as the three holy maidens, Suoluotian, Yanmotian, and Zizaitian, who assisted Fan Yintian, before embarking on his journey back to Bianjing.

When I stepped into Bianjing again, it was already deep winter.

The water level of the Bian River had dropped somewhat, and its flow had slowed. The city remained bustling, but due to news of the King of Qin's return, the successful opening of the treasure, and the rediscovery of the Imperial Seal, the entire city was clearly filled with an atmosphere of fervent anticipation.

Now that the King of Qin had returned, the enthronement ceremony was naturally and immediately put on the agenda.

That day, after spending time with Xue'er and the other women in the back garden and playing with his eldest and second sons, Xiao Yan summoned Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, Yang She, Zhang Wenwei, Du Xunhe, and Guo Chongtao, Lu Zhi, and others who had been specially summoned back from Taiyuan to his study.

The study was warm and cozy, with the glow of a charcoal fire. Xiao Yan removed his cloak, revealing himself in only casual clothes, and sat behind his desk. The Empress sat beside him, holding a cup of warm tea, quietly keeping him company.

After the officials paid their respects and took their seats, Xiao Yan went straight to the point: "Has the Ministry of Rites chosen an auspicious date for the enthronement ceremony?"

Du Xunhe was prepared and rose to bow, saying, "Your Majesty, we have preliminarily selected several auspicious days. The most suitable one is the first day of the first month of next year, the New Year's Day, a time of renewal and auspiciousness for the beginning of a new dynasty. Moreover, there is ample time to prepare the ceremonies and rituals."

After a moment's thought, Xiao Yan nodded directly: "Alright, let's set it for New Year's Day. The ceremony should be solemn and dignified, without being too extravagant."

"The minister obeys the order."

With the matter settled, everyone visibly hesitated, their gazes subtly shifting between Han Yanhui and Jing Xiang, as if there were unspoken words between them.

Finally, Jing Xiang nodded slightly and gave Han Yanhui a look that clearly indicated he would take the lead. Han Yanhui then did not hesitate any longer, immediately stood up, straightened his robes, and bowed to Xiao Yan.

"Your Majesty, the new dynasty has been established, and the reign title is a weighty instrument that proclaims the Mandate of Heaven and carries expectations. We dare not be careless. Recently, we have repeatedly discussed and deliberated with Duke Jing, Duke Yang, and other officials of the court, considering both ancient and modern times. We have some humble opinions, which have been submitted separately for Your Majesty's wise decision."

Xiao Yan took the memorial handed to him by the Empress, and turned to the corresponding section as instructed, his eyes sweeping over the neatly written lines of ink.

Han Yanhui then said, "I believe that Your Majesty's achievements are unprecedented and unparalleled. They are not only due to your military exploits in quelling the chaos and rebuilding the country, but also to your civil virtues in restoring order, establishing a peaceful and prosperous government, and opening up a new era like never before. Therefore, the choice of reign title should surpass that of the previous dynasty. It should not only inherit traditions but also innovate. I dare to suggest the name 'Tianhuan'."

He paused briefly to allow everyone to process the information before continuing, "The Records of the Grand Historian states, 'When the world is unified, all the feudal lords submit.' The world refers to the entire realm. 'Tianhuan' signifies that Your Majesty has received the Mandate of Heaven to unify the world, with all within the four seas and eight wastelands submitting to you. This title is magnificent and powerful, fully demonstrating Your Majesty's unparalleled military prowess in sweeping across the six directions and unifying the nine provinces, as well as the vast and all-encompassing nature of the new dynasty. It sounds melodious and resounding, conveying the awe-inspiring power of a ruler commanding the four seas!"

As Han Yanhui finished speaking, everyone in the study wore thoughtful expressions. Jing Xiang stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then spoke:

"The 'Tianhuan' proposed by Lord Han is indeed magnificent. However, I have a concern: the new dynasty needs not only military prowess, but also a flourishing civil administration, the establishment of order and discipline, and the laying of a foundation for peace. Therefore, I propose 'Hongwu'..."

Xiao Yansui chuckled for a moment and looked up at Jing Xiang.

Seeing Xiao Yan's posture, everyone's gazes shifted slightly as they listened to Jing Xiang continue:

"The Erya explains that 'Hong' means 'great,' metaphorically referring to a great achievement as vast as a torrent; 'Wu' means to stop war, and the Zuo Zhuan says, 'Wu is to prohibit violence, quell war, protect the great, establish merit, pacify the people, harmonize the masses, and enrich the wealth.' The two characters 'Hongwu' not only highlight the king's illustrious military achievements, sweeping across the world like a torrent, but also imply that after the establishment of the new dynasty, it will be based on a strong military to prohibit violence, stop war, protect the borders and people, and create a prosperous era of civilization. It is powerful and majestic, and also has a profound meaning."

The Empress listened from the side and nodded slightly.

At this moment, Yang She also stood up: "What Han Gong and Jing Gong have proposed is indeed magnificent. I, your subject, respectfully follow the rites and observe the celestial phenomena and human affairs, and propose the 'Kaihuang' reign."

Seeing everyone looking at him, he calmly stated his position:
"The Book of Changes says, 'He is the first among all things, and all nations are at peace.' The emperor is great, the one who first rules the world. 'Kaihuang' means to establish the imperial system and begin the work of a monarch. Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, also used this title to create the Kaihuang era of prosperity, but his reign was short and he could not fully realize the significance of this title. Now Your Majesty is re-establishing 'Kaihuang,' which is a sign of reform and innovation, and the beginning of a new golden age. It signifies that the foundation of the new dynasty will be forever solid, and its virtue will extend to all directions, far surpassing the previous dynasty. This title is honorable and illustrious, and is sufficient to establish the rightful position and solidify the mandate of heaven."

Subsequently, Zhang Wenwei, Du Xunhe, Guo Chongtao and others also expressed their opinions, some suggesting "Tianqi" or "Xianqing", others proposing to use Emperor Wu of Han's "Jianyuan" again, saying "Great is the Qianyuan", etc., all citing classical texts and in line with the times, making it difficult for people to choose.

In fact, since most reign titles are derived from auspicious words, repetition is inevitable. The reign title "Jianyuan" was first created by Emperor Wu of Han. It was also used by Liu Cong of the Former Zhao and Fu Jian of the Former Qin during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. It was also common for later emperors to use the reign titles of their predecessors. However, most emperors tried to avoid repeating the reign titles of their own dynasty.

Xiao Yan listened quietly, flipping through the memorials, but did not make a decision immediately. Instead, he turned to the Empress beside him and asked gently, "What does Your Highness think?"

The Empress put down her teacup and smiled slightly, saying, "This is a matter of great importance to the military and the nation, and all of you have considered it thoroughly. I believe that whatever title is ultimately chosen will be one that aligns with the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people."

Seeing that she did not express her opinion directly in front of the ministers, Xiao Yan understood and did not press the matter further. He simply closed the memorial slowly and said to everyone, "Regarding the reign title, I will give it some more thought. There are many things to do at the end of the year, so I will trouble you all to take care of them."

The officials then discussed some year-end affairs before bowing and taking their leave. Only Xiao Yan and the Empress remained in the study.

As dusk settled outside the window, fine snowflakes began to fall. "Let's go for a walk," Xiao Yan said, standing up. "We've been cooped up indoors all day; it's time to relax."

The Empress nodded gently, took a cloak hanging nearby and draped it over him, then put a fox fur cloak over herself.

The two walked out of the study side by side, without any attendants, and strolled slowly through the vast courtyard of the Prince's Mansion.

The snowfall was light, the fine snowflakes landing on the bare branches and among the artificial hills, making a very slight rustling sound. The lanterns hanging under the eaves lit up one after another, spreading out in clusters of warm yellow light in the deepening twilight and falling snow.

"What should be done with the Zhu family?"

After walking for a while, the Empress's voice rang out softly. This issue had not been raised during the council, but everyone understood that it was a hurdle that the new dynasty would inevitably have to overcome.

Xiao Yan slowed his pace, gazing at the outline of the pavilions blurred by the snow mist ahead.

“Yang She submitted another secret memorial yesterday.” He did not answer directly, but instead mentioned another matter. “His words were vehement, denouncing Zhu Wen’s crime of murdering the emperor and the deep harm he had done to the country. He said that if the Zhu family’s three clans were not exterminated and Zhu Wen was not executed by dismemberment, there would be no way to comfort the spirit of Emperor Zhaozong in heaven, nor to appease the anger of the loyal ministers and righteous men of the world.”

The Empress gave a soft "hmm": "Yang Gong is a former official of Emperor Zhaozong, so it's understandable that he feels indignant. What do you think, my husband?"

Xiao Yan walked slowly forward with his hands behind his back, his voice calm and even:
"Besides Yang She, Jing Xiang also privately sought an audience. He said that while Zhu Wen's crimes were countless, Zhu Youzhen's eventual abdication was procedurally sound. If the Zhu clan were exterminated, it would cause fear among the former officials of the Liang Dynasty and discourage those who had surrendered. Therefore, he suggested that the punishment should be limited to Zhu Wen alone. Zhu Youzhen could be stripped of his title and reduced to a commoner, or given a nominal title and kept in captivity, while the rest of the clan and distant relatives could be dispersed and resettled."

Snowflakes fell on their shoulders and hair, bringing a slight chill.

"My husband has already made up his mind?" The Empress turned her head to look at him.

Xiao Yan stopped and stood under an old plum tree covered with a thin layer of snow. "From a son's perspective, to avenge his father, wiping out the entire Zhu clan would not be unreasonable."

His voice was devoid of emotion, as if he were stating a fact unrelated to himself: "But sitting in this position, one cannot simply be a son, only concerned with the likes and dislikes of one family or clan."

He paused, then continued, "Zhu Wen must die. There is no doubt about that. He is not only my father's killer, but also the culprit behind the downfall of the Tang Dynasty. Only when he dies can the resentment of many be appeased, and only then can the debt of the Tang Dynasty be initially settled."

"As for Zhu Youzhen..." Xiao Yan pondered for a moment, "In the past, I was able to enter the Liang Dynasty and even later seize power through a military coup. He was indirectly credited. This time, his abdication can be considered compliant and cooperative. We can spare his life, grant him the title of 'Marquis of Guiming', bestow upon him a residence in Luoyang, and assign people to guard him. He cannot leave without an imperial edict. This will preserve his last bit of dignity and let the world see that the new dynasty is not just bloodthirsty."

"What about the other members of the Zhu clan?"

Without even thinking, Xiao Yan said directly:

"The rest of the imperial clan will no longer be treated as imperial clan members. Investigate their misdeeds and misconduct; those found guilty will be punished according to the law, and those who are innocent will be reduced to commoners, given some land, and forced to fend for themselves. For three generations, they will be barred from taking the imperial examinations and holding official positions. The bloodline is too long to be eradicated by killing; the key is to cut off their foundation for resurgence and the hearts of the people. What does Yunji think?"

The Empress nodded slightly: "This approach combines firmness and leniency, upholding the law while demonstrating compassion. I find it excellent."

The two continued on their way, their boots crunching softly on the thin snow. Rounding a corridor, they came to a small lake ahead; the lotus pond was withered in winter, creating a desolate and serene atmosphere.

As they walked, Xiao Yan naturally brought up what had just happened in the study: "Of the several reign titles that Han Yanhui and Jing Xiang reported, which one does Yun Ji prefer?"

"My opinion is not important," the Empress said with a slight smile, "What is important is which one my husband prefers."

Xiao Yan chuckled: "I saw it. When Jing Xiang suggested 'Hongwu' just now, you nodded almost imperceptibly. What, do you think it's a good name?"

The Empress felt a warmth in her heart, and her smile deepened: "I was just listening intently and made a casual movement. In the end, it is naturally up to my husband to make the final decision."

“This is it.” Xiao Yan made his decision, his tone certain. “The first year of Hongwu… it sounds like a good year that will last a long time.”

"I will obey my husband's will," the Empress replied gently.

“There is one more thing,” Xiao Yan said, gazing at the lake. “I plan to emulate the Cloud Terrace of Emperor Guangwu and the Lingyan Pavilion of Emperor Taizong and build a ‘Sun and Moon Tower’ in the imperial city.”

An interest gleamed in the Empress's eyes: "Sun and Moon Pavilion?"

“Hmm.” Xiao Yan nodded. “They will be used to hang portraits of the founding heroes, enshrined there, and accompanied by inscriptions about their deeds. My initial thought is that the first batch of selections will consist of sixteen people. Such as Wang Yanzhang, Han Yanhui, Feng Dao, Jing Xiang, Yuan Xingqin, and 'Li Maozhen'…”

He looked at the Empress with a smile in his eyes, "You are all on the list. The specific list can be discussed later. We must let future generations know that this world was not conquered by one person, and let the civil and military officials who follow us now have something to remember them by history."

The Empress felt a warmth in her heart. She realized that the Li Maozhen Xiao Yan was referring to was not the same Li Maozhen as before, but she said, "Your Majesty, I am unworthy of such praise. It is my duty to share your burdens."

“This is what you deserve,” Xiao Yan said with certainty. “Without your foundation in Qi, without your restraint over Jin and Shu, without your presence in the rear to stabilize the people’s hearts, how could I have been able to succeed so smoothly?”

The Empress smiled and stopped arguing. After all, outsiders could only know that Li Maozhen was the Emperor's brother-in-law. So she simply said, "Erecting a portrait and recording his achievements can not only inspire meritorious officials but also set an example for future generations, so that soldiers know that merits will be rewarded and the world knows that the emperor cherishes the past. This is a very good idea."

Xiao Yan then walked alongside her for a while, and suddenly said, "Bianjing is located in the Central Plains, with convenient water transport and abundant resources, making it an ideal place to establish a capital. Together with Luoyang, the western capital, it forms a strategic defensive position and can control all directions..."

The Empress sensed the hidden meaning in his words and listened quietly.

“However,” Xiao Yan’s tone shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing slightly, “now that the northern deserts are unified and the grasslands have submitted, the territory has expanded northward by more than a thousand miles. Bianjing seems a bit too far south of here. Moreover, although the canal is convenient, it is ultimately limited by the waterways and the weather. In the future, the benefits of maritime transport may far exceed our imagination.”

The Empress paused slightly, then her bright eyes flashed as she tentatively asked, "Does my husband mean... that he wants to move the capital?"

Her mind raced, and then she blurted out, "The North... could it be Youzhou?"

"We have indeed considered Youzhou."

Xiao Yan did not deny it: "Youzhou is an important town in the north, guarding the Yanshan Mountains and overlooking the grasslands. If managed properly, it can effectively deter the tribes in the northern deserts and promote the integration of the Han and non-Han peoples. The places like Lutai to its east also have the potential to develop seaports. In addition, it is close to the Taiyuan coal mine. If it can be used well, it may become a new prosperous place in time. The plains of Hebei and western Liaoning are vast. If agricultural reclamation is vigorously promoted, it can become the granary of the world. There is great potential in that land."

The Empress hesitated for a moment, then pulled her cloak tighter and began to ponder:

"Relocating the capital is a major national event, and any attempt to do so will cause serious damage. Although Youzhou is a good place, its foundation is still weak at present. The city, palaces, and government offices all need to be rebuilt, which is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Moreover, the south of the Yangtze River is not yet settled. If the center is suddenly moved north, it is feared that after the unification of the south, the people and scholars in the south will become alienated, which will not be conducive to their identification with the new dynasty. Once the north and south are out of balance, it will cause trouble."

Xiao Yan nodded: "I understand. Therefore, the matter of moving the capital cannot be rushed. I roughly estimate that it may take ten years, or even longer, to lay the groundwork. The most important thing at present is to stabilize the Central Plains, pacify the Jiangnan region, and completely eliminate the hidden dangers of separatism. At the same time, we can start to re-plan the canal connecting Youzhou and Bianzhou on the existing basis, vigorously develop maritime transport, encourage merchants to trade north, and gradually improve the status and economy of Youzhou and Hebei. It would be more prudent to discuss moving the capital when everything is in place."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Moreover, there is one more important thing that must be done before moving the capital."

"What's the matter?"

"Controlling the Yellow River."

Xiao Yan uttered three words and walked slowly: "Since the end of the Tang Dynasty, regional warlords have carved up the land, and wars have been frequent. The Yellow River has long been neglected, and the floods have become increasingly severe, breaching its banks many times, submerging countless fields and houses, and displacing countless people. Now that I have ascended the throne here, I cannot turn a blind eye to this. My mind is made up; I will devote several years of effort to thoroughly control the Yellow River's floods. I will conscript laborers to dredge the river channels, reinforce the dikes, and divert water for irrigation. If this matter is not resolved, my heart will not be at peace, and I will have no face to lightly abandon the Central Plains."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was filled with awe.

She stopped and turned to face Xiao Yan, saying solemnly, "My husband's determination is a blessing for all people. The work of controlling the floods will benefit the present and future generations. I will do my utmost to support you in completing this monumental undertaking."

Xiao Yan looked at her cheeks, which were slightly red from the wind, and they appeared exceptionally soft and bright when their eyes met. Suddenly, his heart stirred.

He smiled, stopped, and squeezed her hand: "These past two years have been tough on you. You've had to manage both the internal and external affairs. I haven't been a very good husband, and I've inevitably neglected you."

The Empress was taken aback by his sudden change of heart, then smiled gently and said, "Why are you suddenly bringing this up? State affairs are of utmost importance. There is no question of neglect between us."

Xiao Yan reached out and gently brushed away a few snowflakes from her hair, his fingertips tracing her warm cheek: "National affairs are never-ending, but spring nights are fleeting. I should do my best to make up for what I owe you."

Before he finished speaking, he had already put his arm around her waist and led her quickly toward a nearby warm pavilion that was usually used for enjoying the scenery and resting.

"My lord!" the Empress whispered, her cheeks flushing instantly. She glanced around instinctively. Fortunately, the corridor was empty, the snowy night was quiet, and there was no one around.

"Today I suddenly feel that the administrative pressure I've placed on you is too heavy, and the compensation is too little." Xiao Yan pushed open the door to the side room. There was no fire inside, and it was rather cold, but he didn't care. He closed the door behind him, shutting out the chill. In the darkness, his gaze was intense. "I always feel that it would be better for Aji to have a younger sister to keep him company."

The Empress was pinned between the door and his chest, able to feel the heat emanating from his body and his steady heartbeat. She was both amused and annoyed, and said reproachfully, "How could this be so sudden... especially outside..."

“Within the Prince’s mansion, everything is home,” Xiao Yan chuckled softly, leaning closer. “Didn’t Yun Ji just say that she would do everything in her power to support her husband?”

His breath brushed against her ear, and the Empress's blush deepened, though thankfully it wasn't clearly visible in the darkness. She knew his mind was made up, and given their busy schedules these past few days, they had indeed had very little time to be alone and tender.

"Moving the capital, controlling the river, pacifying the south... does my husband intend to shoulder all the affairs of the ages?" She sighed softly, a sigh tinged with helplessness, but even more so with indulgence and doting. "I can never win an argument with you... it's just cold here..."

"It's alright," Xiao Yan murmured, untying his cloak and wrapping her in it as well. "You'll warm up soon."

The fine snow fell silently, quietly covering the courtyard, melting away the occasional light breaths and murmurs that escaped from the window into the tranquil snowy night.

"My husband is so domineering today..."

"The affairs of the ages return to the imperial court... At this moment, it belongs only to Yun Ji."

(End of this chapter)