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

Chapter 516 Leading a Million Troops to West Lake (Part Two)
On the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, just as the splendid music and singing of the Lantern Festival had ceased, the vermilion gates of various government offices in Bianjing City were already wide open.

Officials brushed off the last traces of festive casualness from their official robes and, as was customary, arrived early at their respective government offices to report for duty. The documents and files that had been piling up on their desks for nearly half a month were already as high as a mountain, urgently needing to be dealt with.

The people in the streets also put away their frolicking of the past few days, and the sounds of busy shouts and the rolling of wheels over the bluestone slabs once again filled the air. This capital of the empire, like a giant who has just awakened from a nap, has stretched its limbs and is now bursting forth with vigorous and efficient vitality again.

The Imperial Palace, the Hall of Hanging Arches.

The scene here, however, is both similar to and different from the orderly scene outside.

The dim afternoon sunlight filtered through the window screens, casting its rays on the ground. A huge map of the Jianghuai and Jingxiang regions occupied almost the entire north wall, with the mountain ranges outlined in bold ink, rivers flowing like ribbons, and prefectures, counties, and towns scattered like stars. Different colored flags marked the enemy and friendly forces, making it easy to see at a glance.

Xiao Yan was not wearing a crown, but simply had his hair tied up with a black jade hairpin. He sat leisurely behind a large desk. There were piles of documents on the desk, and he was carefully reading a memorial from the Commissioner of Agricultural Development in Sichuan regarding the spring plowing.

At the lower end, several pear wood armchairs were arranged in a row.

Privy Councilor Wang Yanzhang, Chancellor Han Yanhui, and Chancellor Jing Xiang were always present, but today, the returning Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Feng Dao, Vice Minister of War Guo Chongtao, and Minister of Revenue Zhang Wenwei were also present. Although they did not need to stand solemnly as they did during court assemblies, none of them were truly relaxed. They all had serious expressions, some lost in thought, others exchanging a few words in hushed tones with their neighbors.

The only sounds inside the hall were the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire and the soft rustling of turning pages.

Xiao Yan closed the letter in his hand and placed it on the desk. He raised his eyes and calmly swept them over the assembled officials. His gaze was not particularly sharp, but it silenced the last faint sound in the hall, and all eyes turned to him.

“Everyone is here,” Xiao Yan said. “The Lantern Festival has passed, and the rest is over, but there are still countless matters to attend to in the world. The situation in Jiangnan is particularly urgent. The reason I have summoned you all here today is to finalize the details of the southern expedition and to ensure that there are no more oversights.”

He paused briefly, then turned his gaze to the first person on his left. "Privy Councilor Wang, the military deployment is of paramount importance, so let's begin with you."

Upon hearing the sound, Wang Yanzhang immediately stood up from his armchair. Although he was only dressed in a crimson military officer's uniform, it made his figure appear even more imposing, and a fierce aura of someone who had been through many battles immediately came to mind.

"Your Majesty, I humbly report. After more than a month of planning and repeated simulations by the Privy Council and the Ministry of War, all the armies of the southern expedition have arrived at their designated areas as ordered and completed their assembly and training. The first batch of provisions and weapons have been delivered, and the soldiers are eager for battle and their morale is extremely high. They are just waiting for Your Majesty's command."

"Hmm," Xiao Yan leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, adopting a posture of attentive listening, "Report the details one by one."

"Yes!" Wang Yanzhang took a deep breath, clearly already familiar with the plan. "This southern expedition, according to His Majesty's established strategy, will proceed in four routes, with the western route as the main attack, the central route providing support, the eastern route for containment, and the southern route for a surprise attack as the initial strategy."

He paused briefly, then organized his thoughts and said aloud:
"Firstly, the Western Route Army, which is assembled around Jiangling Prefecture, is where our main force is located, with a total strength of 80,000. Among them, the elite of the Palace Guard are all out, the Guide Army has 30,000 elite infantrymen, and the Dingbadu Iron Cavalry has 20,000. All of them are the absolute backbone of our army, well-armed and well-equipped, and are all battle-hardened soldiers."

Furthermore, 10,000 troops of the Shence Army under Shi Hongzhao of Hanzhong have been transferred. These troops have undergone over a year of training in the Qinling and Bashan Mountains and are quite adept at mountain and forest warfare. In addition, under the command of Naval Commander Wang Xiancheng, the warships and sailors from former Shu and Jingnan who have submitted to the regime have been integrated, resulting in over 700 warships of various sizes, including large warships, fighting ships, and small boats, and a navy of 20,000 men. They now control the river area near Jiangling and the mouth of Dongting Lake, and are continuously training, specifically responsible for transporting troops across the river and escorting naval battles. I intend to personally go to Jiangling to oversee and coordinate the operation. Yu Zhong, the Commander of the Palace Infantry, will be responsible for the infantry's assaults on cities and strongholds, while Shi Hongzhao will command the navy, cooperating with Wang Xiancheng's troops to control the river.

"How are the morale and combat strength of Shi Hongzhao's newly integrated navy? The Yangtze River is not like an inland river; are they well-trained?" Xiao Yan interjected.

Wang Yanzhang pondered for a moment and cautiously replied, “Your Majesty, Commander Wang has long commanded the Kuizhou navy and was originally the commander-in-chief of the Shu navy. He is very experienced and should be trusted. Moreover, General Shi has always served as the naval commander-in-chief. He is known for his strict discipline and clear system of rewards and punishments. The original Shu navy was already quite strong, and now with the addition of ships and personnel, and after a year of rigorous training, it is reported that they have already achieved initial combat capability. Although they may still be inferior to the Wu-Chu navy, which has long occupied the Yangtze River, their primary responsibility is to transport elite troops and cover the crossing of the river, rather than to engage in a decisive battle with the enemy's main naval force. Considering this, they should be competent. As for the wind and waves on the river, they do need real combat experience, and they have been strictly ordered not to be negligent in the slightest.”

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"Secondly, the central army, assembled in Yingzhou, has a strength of 30,000, all of them infantry and cavalry. It is led by General Wang Zongkan, a famous general in Shu. He is familiar with the situation in the eastern part of Shannan, and his troops are mostly skilled in mountain warfare. His army will march south from the Ying River, penetrate into the northeast of Chu, and wait for an opportunity to attack or plunder prefectures and counties, or support the main force of the western army, making it difficult for them to attend to both ends."

"Thirdly, the Eastern Route Army, assembled in Shouzhou, has a strength of 20,000. It is under the command of General He Gui, the General Who Guards the South. This route is mainly to put pressure on the Wu army in Huainan, widely deploying feints to accompany the offensive, firmly holding the enemy in front, so that they dare not easily send troops west to aid Chu, thus creating opportunities for our main attack."

"Fourthly, the Southern Route Army," Wang Yanzhang said, his tone slightly somber, "is under the full command of the Duke of Qian, Chi Li. It has approximately 30,000 troops, mainly composed of Nanping soldiers who have been purged and are loyal to the court, as well as warriors from various tribes gathered by the Duke of Qian from Raojiang. The latest military report indicates that its vanguard has begun a covert movement towards Hezhou. These soldiers are particularly skilled in mountain warfare, surprise attacks, and guerrilla tactics. Their mission is to advance from south to north, traversing the Lingbei region, harassing the rear of Chu and Min, cutting off their supply lines and reinforcements, creating chaos, and waiting for an opportunity to move north and join forces with the main force."

Finally, Wang Yanzhang concluded: "The four armies, advancing by land and water, support each other, with a total strength exceeding 160,000. The supplies and weapons of each army are basically in place, and morale is high. When to cross the river is up to Your Majesty's decision."

The hall was silent, except for Wang Yanzhang's deep voice, which seemed to still echo faintly among the beams and pillars.

Xiao Yan simply looked at Han Yanhui: "As the saying goes, 'An army marches on its stomach.' Prime Minister Han, with 160,000 troops plus over 200,000 auxiliary soldiers, the daily cost of food and supplies is enormous. Can the provisions and supplies keep up?"

"Your Majesty, rest assured, the Ministry of Revenue, the Grain Transport Office, and I have spent several months planning and the grain transport plan has been meticulously devised."

Han Yanhui, clearly having prepared a plan, stood up in response and cupped his hands, saying, "This southern expedition will focus on the western route, so the supply of provisions will be most important for the western army. Its main supply lines will rely directly on the central plains, which are completely under the control of the imperial court. The plan is to gather the grain stored in the granaries of Luoyang and Bianjing, as well as the grain and provisions from various prefectures in Hebei, along the Bian River."

He stretched out his finger and drew a route on the map: "Afterwards, large quantities of grain can be transported via the Bian River into the Cai River, then south to the vicinity of Chenzhou, and then transported by land to the docks along the Ru River. After being loaded onto ships, they will travel south along the Ru River to Xiangcheng and join the Langdang Canal. If the waterway is navigable, that would be ideal. If the waterway is not smooth, then the grain can be transported by land again in Xiangcheng, through the Nanyang Basin, and directly to Xiangyang Prefecture on the banks of the Han River."

At this point, his tone became more certain: "Once the grain supplies arrive in Xiangyang, they can be transported south along the main stream of the Han River, directly to the front-line camps in Jiangling and Ezhou. Although some sections of this route require transshipment by land and water, the vast majority of the journey is within the absolute control of our dynasty, ensuring safety. The prefectures and counties along the way can provide support and protection."

He paused for a moment, then continued:

"Furthermore, Sichuan is a prosperous region with ample grain reserves in Chengdu Prefecture, and the Duke of Qian has also provided some grain supplies from Raojiang. Therefore, the military supplies in Sichuan can be transported downstream via the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River to Jiangling, escorted by our navy, serving as another important supplement to the western army. The central and eastern armies will mainly rely on the Huai River system and its tributaries such as Ying, Wo, and Ru for grain transport, concentrated in the granaries of Ying and Shou prefectures, ready to support the front lines at any time. The southern army's grain supplies will be supplied locally from southern Sichuan and Yunnan, with some transported via the Li and He Rivers. The Duke of Qian has also reported that some of the food can be sourced locally to reduce the burden of long-distance transport."

"Currently, according to this plan, the grain reserves in the major granaries of Luoyang, Bianjing, Xiangyang, Jiangling, and Shuzhong can support the four armies in high-intensity combat for six months. I have previously petitioned Your Majesty to appoint several capable officials as transport commissioners along the route, and requested that the Embroidered Uniform Guard dispatch elite personnel to be responsible for the escort, distribution, and inspection of grain supplies, strictly preventing corruption and embezzlement and losses along the way, and ensuring that the soldiers on the front lines have no worries about supplies."

Xiao Yan listened intently, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, and pressed on, "How far is the land route through the Nanyang Basin? Have the road conditions, vehicles, and laborers along the way been surveyed and prepared? On the Han River waterway from Xiangyang to Jiangling, are the drafts of the cargo ships compatible with the current water level? While it is certainly convenient for Shu grain to travel downstream, can its naval escort completely shield against potential attacks in the Three Gorges section?"

Han Yanhui calmly replied, “Your Majesty’s considerations are comprehensive. The two land routes to Nanyang total over four hundred li. The official roads along the way were repaired and widened by laborers during the winter off-season last year, allowing four-wheeled supply wagons to travel side by side. The necessary packhorses, wagons, and escort laborers have all been conscripted from Bian, Luo, Xu, Ru and other prefectures, and twelve relay stations have been set up to ensure uninterrupted transport. The Han River has been dredged of shallows, and the grain ships have been ordered to reduce their loads for passage, so there should be no danger. As for the Three Gorges escort, General Shi has been ordered to dispatch elite warships to escort the grain and to deploy scouts extensively. However, the natural defenses are unpredictable, and we must be wary of enemy forces. Therefore, I suggest that the grain ships be dispatched in batches at intervals to avoid excessive losses should any mishap occur.”

Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Feng and said, "Military equipment and armor are the lifeblood of soldiers and cannot be taken lightly. Minister Feng, what is the current production capacity of the workshops under the Ministry of Works? Can they guarantee the army's deployment and subsequent supplies?"

Feng Dao stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, the three major military equipment bureaus in Henan, Hebei, and Hedong, as well as the official workshops in various regions, spent the entire last year forging and repairing old armor and rushing to produce new armor, with the primary goal of ensuring the armor coverage rate of the entire army. After six months of intensive work, 50,000 sets of various types of armor have been newly added or repaired and can be prioritized for replenishing the elite troops on the western and central routes. In terms of weaponry, the main focus was on forging standard consumable weapons such as swords, spears, and arrows. The stockpile is sufficient, and the subsequent production capacity can also guarantee replenishment for combat. There is no shortage of military equipment in all warehouses."

"In addition, the workshops in Jiangling and Xiangyang are operating at full capacity, producing arrows, armor plates, and siege weapon components. A large amount of high-quality timber has also been allocated from Shu for the maintenance and replenishment of warships. I can assure you that there will be no shortage of military equipment in the early stages of the war, and it will be able to be replenished continuously thereafter."

After hearing this, Xiao Yan slowly leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. He looked at the huge map again, seemingly making a final mental calculation.

Silence returned to the palace as everyone awaited the emperor's final decision.

Finally, Xiao Yan spoke again: "What you have discussed is very comprehensive. Now that the strategy is clear, there is no need to elaborate further. Wang Yanzhang."

“Your subject is here!” Wang Yanzhang stood up abruptly.

"I hereby appoint the Western Route Army as the absolute main force for this southern expedition. After the spring, the river will gradually rise, making it easier for ships to sail, and that will be the time to advance. I give you, Yu Zhong, Shi Hongzhao, and Wang Xiancheng ten days to conduct a final review of all matters, ensuring seamless coordination between land and water, and to repeatedly inspect the landing sites to ensure absolute success. Once my decree is issued, you must break through the enemy's river defenses with overwhelming force and open up a new front!"

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will not fail your trust!" Wang Yanzhang answered resolutely and loudly, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"The Central Route Army under Wang Zongkan and the Southern Route Army under Chi Li must closely coordinate their advance and attack direction with the main attack of the Western Route Army, and then, with overwhelming force, break through the Chu region, capture and kill Ma Xisheng and other sons of Ma Yin, and quickly pacify Hunan. Once the Chu region is pacified, Jiangdong will be shaken!"

Xiao Yan stood up, picked up the jade tablet on the table, and pointed east to the map. "At that time, the eastern army will be able to increase the pressure on Wu, and the southern army will be able to sweep through Fujian and Jiangxi more freely, cutting off Wu's flank."

Then, he drew an arrow pointing eastward along the Yangtze River: "Once the war on the western front has settled down, Wang Yanzhang, you can lead the elite troops of the western route by land and water to go down the river and join forces with the eastern army. With a combined land and water attack, we can wipe out Wu and Yue in one fell swoop and pacify Jiangnan!"

Finally, Xiao Yan put down the jade tablet, looked around at everyone, and his tone became low:

"Weapons are instruments of misfortune, and even sages use them only as a last resort. The people of Jiangnan are also my subjects, who have long suffered from division and hardship. I have raised an army to relieve the people's suffering, punish the guilty, unify the world, and end the chaos, not to indulge in military aggression or to allow my troops to plunder. Wherever my army recaptures, I will immediately post notices to reassure the people, announcing the abolition of all exorbitant taxes and levies. The Secretariat and the Chancellery will quickly select capable officials to accompany the army south, swiftly take over the local areas, restore order, and pacify the displaced."

Anyone who dares to plunder the people's property or harass the populace during the war, whether a soldier or an official, will be executed without mercy! What I desire is a complete Jiangnan region, and the return of countless loyal subjects, not a desolate wasteland. This intention must be deeply etched in your hearts, and all generals must be strictly ordered not to disobey!

"We understand! We will obey Your Majesty's decree!" All the officials, whether sitting or standing, bowed solemnly and responded in unison. They knew the young emperor's magnanimity, and this southern expedition was by no means a simple military conquest.

"Alright." Xiao Yan looked around one last time. "The specific implementation details will be discussed and finalized immediately by the two prefectures, three provinces, and the Privy Council. They will be drafted into articles, submitted to me for review, and then sealed and issued. Go and get busy."

"We take our leave!" The officials bowed again and slowly withdrew from the Chui Gong Hall in turn. Each person's steps were slightly more hurried than when they arrived, bearing the heavy responsibility of starting a war that would determine the fate of the world, while also carrying the excitement of embarking on a grand undertaking. No one dared to slacken in the slightest.

The hall suddenly felt empty, with only Xiao Yan and a eunuch standing at a distance with his hands at his sides.

As the afternoon sun began to set, it cast a long shadow of Xiao Yan behind the throne. He did not rise immediately, but instead turned his gaze back to the enormous map, his eyes sweeping over the Jiangnan region with a deep intensity, seemingly lost in thought.

After a long while, he got up and, instead of returning to the inner palace, went straight to the imperial study.

Inside the Imperial Study, the lights were on full blaze. On the enormous desk, memorials and documents, already streamlined by the three ministries, were still piled high.

Xiao Yan dismissed his attendants, leaving only two eunuchs to wait outside the door.

Instead of immediately reviewing the memorials, he unfolded a more detailed map of Jiangnan, densely marked with more detailed information collected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, scanning over every town, tributary, and dangerous shoal along the Yangtze River.

His mind raced, analyzing every detail Wang Yanzhang had just mentioned, such as the security of the supply lines, the unexpected events that might occur during the navy's first large-scale operation, the locations where the Chu army might rely on the terrain to put up a stubborn resistance, whether the route of the central army's infiltration was secret enough, the possible attitudes of the Liu family of Lingnan and the Jinghai Army... He even thought about the possible reactions Li Xingyun might make in Yangzhou.

Every step could affect the course of the battle, so he had to mentally conduct countless simulations, anticipate all possibilities, and prepare countermeasures.

This was a tremendous mental drain that outsiders could hardly comprehend. Only when the sun set outside the window and the palace lights began to illuminate the palace did he slowly exhale a breath of stale air, sit back down at his desk, and begin dealing with the seemingly endless stream of memorials.

Time passed in silence, with only the soft scratching of the vermilion brush across the paper. Yu Youshu, the head of the palace, entered quietly and asked in a low voice for instructions regarding the dinner arrangements.

Xiao Yan didn't even look up, but simply said, "I haven't finished reviewing the memorials yet. I'll have my meal here. Just have the Imperial Kitchen send over some soup and a few side dishes. Keep it simple."

"Yes, everyone." Yu Youshu replied respectfully and quietly withdrew again.

After an unknown amount of time, the door to the Imperial Study was gently pushed open a crack, and a faint, elegant fragrance wafted in. Xiao Yan paused, his brush still on the ground, but without looking up, a knowing smile curved his lips slightly.

The surrendered official carried a small food box, and his figure appeared in the room.

Her attire today was quite different from her usual style; she wore a striking dark-colored long dress that accentuated her figure. The fabric was not ordinary silk; it subtly shimmered, and the tailoring was exquisite, clinging tightly to her waist and hips before flowing down to her calves, flaring slightly at the ankles. With each step, the hem swayed gently like rippling water, further emphasizing her slender and graceful figure. The sheer outer garment was also the same color, adding a touch of mystery.

Moreover, her hair was not styled into a bun today, but loosely tied up and secured diagonally with a long jade hairpin. A few strands of hair fell down her neck. There was almost no trace of makeup on her face, except for a natural blush on her lips. Her eyes and brows exuded a natural languid charm, and her gaze was lively and alluring.

Xiao Yan raised his eyes, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. He had seen her in all sorts of ways—alluring, languid, or feigning aloofness—but this outfit still made his eyes light up with amazement. He put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and watched her with leisurely interest.

The surrendered official seemed indifferent to his gaze, yet also quite pleased. She walked lightly to the desk and placed the food box down. With each movement, her long, dark dress swayed with her figure, the light and shadow shifting, making her waist appear even more slender and her curves breathtaking.

"Oh dear, is Your Majesty still so busy? You are so busy with state affairs that you don't even have time to eat."

She deliberately softened her voice, then added with a touch of natural reproach, "I've heard that you're just going to grab a quick bite here for dinner? That won't do. I've personally prepared pigeon soup, which is very nourishing and beneficial to your health. Would Your Majesty like to try some?"

Xiao Yan rubbed his slightly sore temples and looked up at her. Under the lamplight, her face was charming and her hair was loosely tied up, which made her eyes even more alluring and captivating, creating a strange contrast with the solemn imperial study and bringing a touch of vitality to the room.

"Why are you here?" Xiao Yan asked with a smile.

"Your Majesty?" He immediately caught the somewhat unfamiliar title in the Central Plains and raised an eyebrow slightly. "It's quite novel to hear this title coming from you. Where did you learn it?"

"If I hadn't come soon, Your Majesty might have really ruined your health."

As he spoke, the surrendered official opened the food box, took out a steaming white porcelain stew pot, along with several refreshing side dishes and a plate of crystal dumplings. Then, blinking as if completely unaware of anything amiss, he casually remarked:

“A few days ago, I heard my elder sister mention that when she was in Chengdu, she got along quite well with that little Consort Xu in Wang Jian’s palace. I got to know them after a while. I overheard them talking about how they used to address each other in Sichuan... It sounded quite unique, so I picked it up.”

She paused, a hint of interest appearing on her face. "Speaking of those two sisters, they were truly beauties beyond compare. The elder sister, Consort Xu, was naturally charming, her eyes captivating with every glance; the younger sister, Consort Xu, appeared aloof and cold, but her pitiful and endearing air made her even more unforgettable. No wonder back in Hanzhong..."

The surrendered official's words seemed to unintentionally stir up memories of the past, but his eyes subtly observed Xiao Yan's reaction. "...They even mentioned how grateful they were for His Majesty's kindness at the banquet back then. They said that if it weren't for His Majesty's benevolence, they sisters would likely have been targeted by certain scheming individuals in Bianjing, and the Xu family wouldn't be able to serve the court so peacefully now..."

Xiao Yanzheng paused slightly in his hand as he picked up the spoon, then calmly scooped up a spoonful of pigeon soup and put it in his mouth. He seemed completely captivated by the soup's delicious aroma, and then naturally continued the conversation:

"The cooking time for this soup is excellent, and the flavor is rich and mellow. I remember back in the mountain villa where the troops were stationed in Yingzhou, you couldn't even make dumplings, and you always ended up with a pot of muddy soup. Now your skills have improved so much, it really makes me look at you in a new light."

The surrendered minister's attention was indeed drawn by these words. She raised her eyebrows slightly, glared at him with feigned reproach, and said defiantly, "You underestimate me! I simply didn't write about this before. If I were to truly study diligently, what in this world could be difficult for me?"

Xiao Yan nodded readily, then tasted several more bites of the dishes and crystal dumplings, sincerely praising, "I misspoke. My wife is indeed capable of anything when she puts her mind to it. This soup is delicious, the side dishes are refreshing, and the dumplings have thin wrappers and generous fillings; the taste is absolutely perfect."

He ate faster than usual, clearly because he was really hungry, and he also appreciated her cooking skills.

Seeing this, the surrendered minister's anger turned into a satisfied smile. She simply rested her chin on her hand, leaned against the side of the desk, and watched him eat with a smile. Then she gently advised, "Eat slowly. No one is going to take it from you. The whole world is in your hands. Are you in such a hurry?"

The flickering candlelight cast their shadows on the wall, intertwining them. The solemn atmosphere in the imperial study was dispelled by the warm aroma of food and gentle words, leaving only the tranquility and tenderness of an ordinary married couple.

Xiao Yan seemed to have truly listened to her words, slowing his eating pace. He savored this moment of relaxation, not only because of the delicious soup, but also because of the woman beside him. Between them, there was no longer a need for constant passionate intensity; this gentle, enduring affection was all the more precious.

After a simple dinner, Jiang Chen did not leave immediately as if she had completed her mission. Instead, she stayed by his side, sometimes picking up an ink stick and slowly grinding ink for him; sometimes handing him the next memorial or a clean sheet of paper when he needed it; occasionally, she would lean against the soft couch beside him, casually flipping through a miscellaneous book that Xiao Yan often read, without making a sound to disturb him, letting the soft rustling of the pages and the crackling of the candlelight intertwine to create a tranquil nocturne.

Her very presence was like a subtle fragrance, silently permeating the imperial study and bringing a sense of peace.

Time flowed quietly until Xiao Yan finally finished reviewing the last memorial, put down his vermilion brush, and the water clock outside the window showed that it was almost midnight.

In the stillness of the night, the candlelight in the study seemed to dim. The surrendered minister rose, moved gracefully, and blew out several lamps in the distance, leaving only two candles beside the desk. The light suddenly converged, forming a gentle halo that enveloped the two of them, and the air instantly became ambiguous.

She walked to Xiao Yan's side and naturally nestled into his arms, her soft arms encircling his neck. She looked up at him and breathed softly, "Your Majesty, it's getting late, you should rest."

Xiao Yan embraced her slender yet resilient waist, looking down at her delicate face so close to his, his eyes filled with warmth. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose, and finally her lips.

The surrendered minister responded softly, their lips entwined, as if trying to completely merge their breaths into each other's bones. Their body temperatures rose rapidly in their close embrace, and their breaths became hot.

Xiao Yan tightened his arms, picked her up horizontally, and carried her to the warm pavilion inside the imperial study. The surrendered minister let out a low gasp, which quickly turned into a soft chuckle. She buried her face in his neck, obediently letting him take her wherever he wanted.

The brocade couch inside the warm pavilion was already prepared; clothes were draped on the floor, breaths mingled, and skin touched.

The familiar melody played again.

The surrendered minister was as bold and passionate as ever, like a datura flower blooming only for him, dazzling and alluring, demanding everything she could, as if trying to drag her emperor completely into an abyss of intoxication, to sink into ruin together.

Xiao Yan also put aside all his political worries and devoted himself wholeheartedly to this exhilarating consultation, enjoying the ultimate comfort and warmth.

After an unknown amount of time, the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped, leaving only a faint, lingering fragrance.

The surrendered minister lay limply against Xiao Yan's chest, listening to the steady, powerful heartbeat in his chest gradually calm down, and unconsciously drew circles on his chest with his finger.

However, after the passion subsided, a vulnerability and sadness, which she usually concealed, would quietly creep into her heart when the night was quiet.

She was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke softly, "Your Majesty..."

"Hmm?" Xiao Yan's hand was still wandering idly over her smooth back.

"Concubine..."

She seemed hesitant to speak, pausing for a moment before continuing in a low voice, muffled against his chest: "My body is different from that of ordinary women. This body... has undergone modification and I have studied and researched those techniques for many years, I'm afraid... I'm afraid I will never be able to bear children for Your Majesty like the Empress or Xue'er."

She raised her head, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears, carrying a rare sense of confusion and unease. "In the future... if I am never able to bear children for you, will you... will you one day grow tired of me?"

The question was asked cautiously, completely unlike the carefree and playful Corpse Ancestor who usually acted as a jester.

Only in front of someone you deeply love will you reveal such deep-seated insecurity and fear.

The surrendered official had lived long enough to witness too many changes in the world; people's hearts are easily swayed. The emperor's favor, like clouds on a mountaintop, is unpredictable and fleeting; how long can it last? Without offspring as a bond, how long can this favor be maintained in this deep palace?
The more she loved him, the more greedy she became, and the more afraid she was of losing him.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan paused, his hand stroking her back. He lowered his head and, by the dim candlelight outside the tent, saw a worry that had almost never appeared in her eyes before. There was no pretense or probing in it, but a genuine vulnerability, as fragile as the one beneath Yinshan Mountain.

His heart softened suddenly, and he tightened his arms, pulling her even closer into his embrace. The force was so great that the surrendered minister almost felt a slight pain.

"Nonsense. To have you, my lord, is like finding a priceless treasure; it is my greatest fortune. We have walked this path together, witnessing each other's growth. We are Daoist companions, confidants, and even husband and wife, sharing the journey of this world from chaos to order. This bond, this tacit understanding, is beyond what ordinary descendants can compare to. Don't you understand my heart yet? What I want is you, my lord, to be by my side, to watch over this vast land with me, and to create a new world. Nothing else matters."

The surrendered woman stared at him, gazing at the clear reflection in his eyes and the unmistakable seriousness within them. A surge of overwhelming emotion and joy welled up within her, instantly breaking down her defenses.

Her nose tingled, and the tears that had been welling up in her eyes finally rolled down her cheeks. Then she tilted her head back and kissed his lips forcefully, as if she wanted to completely merge herself into his life.

After a long while, their lips parted. The surrendered minister was slightly out of breath, his cheeks flushed, and tears still clung to the corners of his eyes, yet he smiled as brightly and beautifully as a young girl.

She seemed to have made up her mind, and suddenly leaned close to Xiao Yan's ear, speaking in a seductive and mysterious tone, "Your Majesty treats me so sincerely, so I... have also secretly prepared a 'surprise' for Your Majesty."

"Oh? What kind of surprise is it this time?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden words and expression, and casually twirled her loose long hair with his fingers.

The surrendered official did not answer, but instead smiled slyly, a strange light flashing in her eyes. She put on Xiao Yan's outer robe, got off the bed, and walked gracefully to the door, whispering a few instructions to the female officials outside. Xiao Yan did not press for details, but simply looked at her with a smile.

Not long after, the surrendered official returned to the bed and then softly called out to the outside of the warm pavilion, "Come in."

The door to the warm pavilion was gently pushed open, and two slender figures entered.

Ahead was Bago. She seemed to have just taken a bath; her long, brown hair was slightly damp and casually draped over her bare shoulders. She was only wrapped in a sheer veil, her alluring body partially visible beneath it, and her long, straight legs gleamed healthily in the dim candlelight.

Her face held a wild yet shy expression, her eyes boldly fixed on Xiao Yan on the couch, like a female leopard awaiting her master's favor.

Behind her was Li Cunren.

She seems to have a strong preference for white, but today's plain white nightgown is thinner and more form-fitting than usual, perfectly outlining her slender and well-proportioned figure.

Li Cunren's aloof face revealed little emotion; his eyelids were slightly lowered, his long eyelashes trembled, and his ears were flushed. His hands were awkwardly clasped in front of him. His forced composure and barely concealed nervousness gave him a unique charm.

Clearly, all of this was arranged by the surrendered officials long ago.

Looking at Xiao Yan, who was slightly stunned, the surrendered minister felt a smug sense of triumph, as if she had succeeded in her prank. She murmured softly, "The night is long, and Your Majesty is working hard on state affairs. How can you let it pass by so easily? Let my two... well-behaved and sensible younger sisters serve Your Majesty well and relieve your fatigue and ease your mind, shall we?" As she spoke, she wrapped herself around him again, her body soft and fragrant, her breath like orchids.

Upon hearing this, Bago immediately stepped forward and gracefully knelt on the carpet in front of the couch, looking up at Xiao Yan. Li Cunren hesitated for a moment, then slowly approached as well. Although still aloof, he still followed etiquette and silently knelt down a little behind.

Xiao Yan was taken aback at first, then looked at the surrendered minister's "praise me quickly" expression, and then at Bago and Li Cunren in front of the bed, who were very different in style but equally lively. The candlelight flickered, and the room was filled with the quiet feeling of spring. He couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He didn't say much, but simply pressed down Bago, who had already knelt down, and then pulled Li Cunren, who was also coming forward, into his arms...

The night is still young, and spring is in full bloom in the room.

(End of this chapter)