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

Chapter 526 Standing atop the First Peak of Wu Mountain (Part 7)
The side hall of the Chuigong Hall in the Bianjing Imperial City.

After being led away by the eunuchs to freshen up and change into clean robes, Qian Yuanguan was led back into the hall. Upon entering, seeing the figure seated behind the imperial desk, he dared not look directly at him, hastily stepping forward and prostrating himself in reverence.
"Your Majesty, I, your guilty subject Qian Yuanguan, kowtow to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Having changed into his everyday clothes, Xiao Yan sat upright behind his desk, re-examining the eldest son of the King of Wuyue. After a moment, he said calmly, "You've had a long and arduous journey. Rise and speak, and be seated. Tell me in detail about the current situation in Yangzhou and even Jiangnan."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty." Qian Yuanguan kowtowed again before standing up, slightly unsteady. He sat on the embroidered stool brought by the eunuch, half-sitting on one side, not daring to raise his head, as if this posture could make him feel a little safer.

"Your Majesty, since the flames of war broke out in Jiangbei, the people of Yangzhou have been scattered and living in constant fear. Xu Wen and Zhang Hao... oh, Zhang Hao has already been executed, and now it is Xu Wen and that... that false emperor..."

Qian Yuanguan carefully chose his words, fearing to offend the emperor. "Although the two of them appear to be working together to improve the military and issue unified orders, I observe from the sidelines that they are actually sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams, and are deeply wary of each other. The deployment of troops in the city is often disrupted, and government orders come from multiple sources, so the morale of the army is already extremely low."

He paused, stealing a glance at Xiao Yan's expression. Seeing that the other was just listening quietly, he continued, "As for the common people... they are even more miserable. In order to raise military funds, the false dynasty has been constantly increasing taxes in various prefectures and counties, and the corvée labor is several times heavier than before. The people are suffering terribly, and there are complaints everywhere. There is hardly a peaceful day in the streets and alleys."

Xiao Yan tapped the armrest lightly, making a rhythmic sound, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, simply indicating that he should continue.

Qian Yuanguan swallowed hard, feeling a cold sweat trickling down his back, and continued:
"The generals in the army also had their own thoughts, and the soldiers had no will to fight. The common people were deceived by the government's lies, only knowing that the Northern Dynasty's army was pressing in, but they did not know that the upper echelons of the puppet regime were already too busy to take care of themselves and were secretly planning their escape routes. The wealthy merchants with some connections, and even many generals in the army, were secretly selling their land and mansions, buying or building boats, in preparation for... in preparation for the day when the city fell, they could set sail and flee to Yizhou, Ryukyu, or even the more distant islands of the South Seas, just to save their lives, completely disregarding the people of Jiangnan and the Chinese people."

At this point, a hint of bitterness and disdain appeared on his face:

"These people shout about loyalty and righteousness in their daily lives, yet they are ruthless in exploiting the people, using all the wealth they amass to fund their own escape. My father... always speaks of this with deep sorrow, saying that this is not protecting the country and its people, but rather bringing disaster to the nation and its people, and undermining the very foundation of our Chinese civilization! The people of Jiangnan have long been blessed by the king's rule and yearn for the orthodox Central Plains. How could they be willing to sink with such parasites? Therefore, my father resolutely ordered this disgraced subject to risk his life to go north and surrender our land. Although Wu and Yue are located in a remote corner of the sea, we are willing to give our all to help the royal army to cleanse the world as soon as possible, so that the people of the southeast can see the light of day again and return to the rule of the Holy Emperor!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow slightly, glanced around at Han Yanhui and the others, and chuckled:

"Seeking refuge overseas? That's certainly a shrewd calculation. It seems there are far more clever people in Jiangnan than I anticipated. However, the overseas lands are wild and plagued by miasma, fraught with danger. How easy is it to settle down and make a living there?"

Qian Yuanguan quickly stood up and bowed, saying:
"Your Majesty is wise! Such actions are clear evidence of their cowardice and desperation. They are not unaware of the dangers overseas, but they fear Your Majesty's might and know that they have no place to hide on land before the royal army. That is why they have resorted to this desperate measure of cutting their losses. In our eyes, their actions will only leave them with eternal infamy! My father often said that the Jiangnan region is a fertile land, rich in culture and resources, and should be a paradise under Your Majesty's rule. How can we allow these people to squander and destroy it?"

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his tone softening somewhat:

"King Qian Liu of Wuyue was able to discern the general trend amidst the entanglement of petty people and the fog of confusion, and make choices that benefited his country and its people, thus sparing the people of Zhejiang from further suffering the ravages of war. His clarity and sense of responsibility are evident, and I have also recorded his merits. However..."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as he swept over Qian Yuanguan, who was bowing and listening attentively, before continuing:
"My 'Letter to the Subjects and People of Jiangnan' has already clearly stated to the world that a deadline has been set for submission. Those who remain obstinate and stubbornly resist after the deadline will all have to bear the consequences. Although you, Wuyue, are willing to surrender, I consider that the Qian family has been managing the region for many years and has indeed made contributions to its preservation. Therefore, I hereby grant you special permission to preserve your ancestral temples and sacrifices, and the lives of your blood relatives will be safe. However, your royal titles, military governorships, and other powers must all be stripped and returned to the court; all your estates, mansions, treasuries, and other properties must also be turned over to the national treasury for national use."

Upon hearing this, Qian Yuanguan showed little surprise on his face. On the contrary, it seemed as if he had already anticipated this outcome. He immediately lifted his robe, knelt down, touched his head to the ground, and performed a deep bow.
"On behalf of the entire Qian family, this humble subject kowtows to express our gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace! Your Majesty's magnanimity in protecting our clan is already an immense favor. The Qian family dares not ask for anything more. All our titles, ranks, lands, and estates will be offered to the court in strict accordance with Your Majesty's will, without the slightest hesitation!"

Seeing his respectful and decisive attitude, Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction, and his tone softened accordingly:
"Hmm. It is good that you and your son have this thought. You should know that although you have lost your former power and position, your future is not over. If the Qian family can seize the opportunity and demonstrate sufficient sincerity and ability in pacifying Jiangnan and stabilizing the region, and sincerely help me to appease the people and eliminate the remaining enemies, that will be the beginning of new achievements. Even if you are temporarily commoners in the future, you can still serve the court with dignity and honor based on your solid political achievements, and restore your family's glory. I am aware of your and your son's intentions in this choice."

Having said that, he gestured. Wen Tao, who was standing by, stepped forward and respectfully presented the surrender document and map that Qian Yuanguan had offered to the table.

Xiao Yan reached out and unfolded the album, scanning it one by one the markings of troop deployments, granary locations, and fortresses and passes in various prefectures. The large hall fell silent for a moment, with only the soft rustling of the pages turning.

After a long while, he closed the album, tapped the cover lightly with his fingers, pondered for a moment, and then looked again at Qian Yuanguan, who was uneasy from maintaining a respectful posture for so long:
"With Wu and Yue surrendering their territory, the gateway to Jiangnan will be wide open, which will greatly benefit the royal army. However, war is a matter of national importance, involving both deception and reality. I need to see the King of Wu and Yue demonstrate sufficient sincerity. From this moment on, the Qian family must not only fully cooperate with the royal army's actions, opening the main coastal ports and secretly assisting our navy in familiarizing itself with river and sea routes, hydrology, and terrain, but also provide detailed intelligence on the puppet regime's coastal defenses and naval movements, and do their utmost to intercept any traitors attempting to escape by sea. When my royal army drinks water at Qiantang and approaches Hangzhou, that will be the time for the Qian family to achieve their goal and be rewarded. Is this achievable?"

Upon hearing this, Qian Yuanguan felt a great weight lifted from his heart. Overjoyed, he knelt down again to express his gratitude, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Your Majesty's wisdom is boundless! Before I set out, my father secretly ordered the trusted generals of each prefecture to make thorough preparations, awaiting Your Majesty's command! The entire Qian family will do our utmost to serve Your Majesty, without the slightest hesitation or disloyalty!"

"Alright." Xiao Yan nodded. "You've had a long journey and must be tired. Go and rest well. I will send someone to discuss the specifics of how to cooperate."

Qian Yuanguan expressed his gratitude profusely, and then, led by Wen Tao, bowed and withdrew from the side hall.

Xiao Yan strolled back to his desk and looked at the huge map. The Jiangnan region was already engulfed in flames of war. The Qian family's surrender not only confirmed that the internal rule of Jiangnan had completely collapsed and that the powerful and nobles were seeking their own paths, but also foreshadowed that the royal army would gain important internal support when it marched south, greatly accelerating the process of unifying the country and reducing the suffering of the people of Jiangnan.

After a moment of silence, Xiao Yan turned around and glanced at the assembled officials: "Gentlemen, how sincere do you think the Qian family's actions are? How should we adjust our subsequent strategies?"

Han Yanhui pondered for a moment before speaking, “Your Majesty, although Qian Liu’s surrender at this time is inevitable, his navy has been in operation for many years and its strength should not be underestimated. It will greatly benefit our army’s current conquest of Jiangnan and even our future conquest of the South China Sea. However, the depth of his sincerity still needs to be observed through his subsequent actions. I believe that we can order him to leave quickly, or we can gradually deepen our trust based on his level of cooperation.”

Jing Xiang added, "The internal strife within the puppet dynasty has reached such a point that the powerful and influential are even plotting to flee far away. This is a clear sign of the army's morale collapsing and the dynasty's imminent collapse. However, even a cornered beast will fight. Your Majesty must indeed accelerate the pacification efforts to appease the people of Jiangnan and prevent these people from destroying the land and fleeing, leaving behind further trouble for the region. However..."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, “Your Majesty mentioned earlier that you wish to personally lead the expedition, accompanied by the harem, and stay in Jinling… I believe that although Jinling will fall soon, the situation in Jiangnan is still complex and uncertain. Your Majesty, with your precious body, going to the front lines would be too risky. Moreover, the harem accompanying you would involve a lot of ceremonial arrangements, which could delay the journey and increase the risks. It would be better for Your Majesty to remain in Bianjing, strategize and plan, and wait until Jiangnan is completely pacified before making your tour.

Minister of Revenue Zhang Wenwei quickly echoed, "What you say makes sense. Your Majesty is the foundation of the nation and the foundation of the empire. He should not be moved lightly. The war should be entrusted to capable generals such as Privy Councilor Wang and General He. They will surely achieve complete success. Only when Your Majesty sits firmly in the central government can you deter all sides and put the people at ease."

After listening to the ministers' advice, Xiao Yan remained unmoved. His gaze swept across the winding Yangtze River on the map, and finally, he raised his hand and pointed to the location of Jinling on the map, slowly shaking his head:

"How could I not know your concerns? However, the chaos in Jiangnan today is not only due to military conquest, but also deeply rooted in the people's anxiety. The powerful officials of the false dynasty each have their own ulterior motives, and even intend to use the people's will to destroy the land and flee. My previous proclamation has already been proclaimed to the world, and my words are law. Now, I am personally leading the expedition not to show off my military might, but to comfort the people and stabilize their hearts. I want to go to Nanjing in person so that the people of Jiangnan can see and hear for themselves that the court not only wants to recover lost territory, but also to take root here, govern here, and settle here, so that they can enjoy the blessings of peace with the people of the Central Plains, and no longer have to worry about chaos."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the spring light outside the hall, before continuing:

"My presence with the Empress and concubines is precisely to demonstrate the court's long-term determination to establish itself in Jiangnan and allow the people to rest and recuperate, and to dispel any doubts among the officials and common people. It is by no means a burden. As for the risks... I rose from the ranks of the army, having fought countless battles, large and small. How could I be someone who fears danger and avoids trouble? Wang Yanzhang, He Gui, Wang Zongkan, and others are all seasoned generals. The advances on the western and central routes have been successful, and the submission of Wuyue has opened up the flanks of the false dynasty. The overall situation is settled. My personal presence at this time is the perfect opportunity to seize the momentum, press on with our momentum, and completely pacify the southeast, achieving victory in one fell swoop! This matter concerns the long-term stability of Jiangnan, not just military victory or defeat. My mind is made up, and my ministers need not discuss it further."

Seeing that Xiao Yan was resolute and had analyzed the situation thoroughly with sound reasoning, Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, and the others exchanged glances, all knowing that the emperor had considered everything and there was no way to change his mind. Therefore, they all bowed and ceased their attempts to dissuade him.

"Your Majesty's wisdom and foresight are beyond our reach. In that case, we will do our utmost to prepare for the personal expedition and ensure that nothing goes wrong!"

Xiao Yan nodded slightly: "Very good. All related matters shall be planned and handled by the two prefectures and three provinces. Once the war in Ezhou in the west has been settled and the land and water routes are secure, I will set off south."

"I will obey your orders!"

After the officials received their orders, Xiao Yan's gaze did not leave the map. He stared at it for a moment, then suddenly said:
"The war in Jiangnan aimed at unification, but after unification, the focus should be on governance. The vast territory can only be stabilized if the people live and work in peace and contentment. Yesterday, I inspected the outskirts of the capital and saw that the new curved plow was highly praised by farmers. It is more labor-saving and efficient in deep plowing. From this, we can see that to strengthen agriculture and consolidate its foundation, good tools are the first priority. However, the foundation of farming and sericulture lies in the diligence of people and the skillful use of materials."

Upon hearing this, Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, and other officials all became solemn and listened attentively, knowing that the emperor's words, often revealing profound meaning from seemingly small details, must have a deeper purpose.

Xiao Yan then strolled into the hall and slowly said:

"I have pondered that the key to a prosperous nation lies first and foremost in making good use of its resources. The resources of the land can be obtained through intensive cultivation, improved farming tools, and the construction of irrigation systems; the resources of the mountains and forests can be obtained through moderation and thrift. Now, the coal production in Hedong is gradually stabilizing. If we can make good use of this 'black gold' and replace firewood with coal, we can not only save the labor of gathering firewood and allow more labor to focus on the fields, but also benefit the smelting and refining industries and promote the prosperity of all industries. For example, if the forging of military arsenals and the repair and construction of grain transport ships had sufficient coal, their efficiency and output would more than double."

He looked at the assembled officials, then pondered for a moment and said:
"Therefore, I intend to establish the principles of 'emphasizing agriculture as the foundation, developing industry with advanced tools, replacing firewood with coal, and doubling the harvest of farming and sericulture' with the idea that 'a prosperous nation should make good use of its resources' as a fundamental national policy, and to proclaim this to the world through the Imperial Gazette, informing all officials and the people. The Ministry of Works shall be ordered to fully supervise the promotion and improvement of new agricultural tools, and to send skilled craftsmen to the countryside to adapt to local conditions and strive for practical results. The Ministry of Revenue shall cooperate with the Ministry of Works to survey mineral veins, establish 'Mining Offices' in important mining areas, regulate mining, encourage private use, and especially ensure the needs of key government-run workshops. If this policy can be implemented for ten years, the foundation of our nation's strength will surely be greatly consolidated."

After a moment's careful consideration, Han Yanhui clapped his hands and sighed, "Your Majesty has seen the whole world from a single plow, and considered all industries from a single coal mine. This is truly visionary! If this policy is implemented, it will indeed be the foundation for strengthening the nation and consolidating its foundation. Your Majesty is deeply impressed!"

Jing Xiang also said, "I will immediately work with the relevant government departments to draft a detailed proposal and implement it as soon as possible."

Xiao Yan nodded: "Alright. This matter concerns the long term and requires perseverance; we cannot be impatient for quick success. You can go and plan it out carefully."

The officials accepted the order and bowed as they withdrew from the Chuigong Hall.

After finishing his official duties, Xiao Yan had a simple lunch in the palace before returning to his study.

Half a day passed quickly as he reviewed the memorials. By the time he finished reading the last report on the silk production of silkworms in Sichuan, the sun was already setting in the west, and a magnificent sunset painted the sky red.

Xiao Yan leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh. Even with his internal energy boost and his martial arts skills reaching a state of perfection, the immense energy drain from concentrating on handling tedious government affairs for several consecutive hours was still causing him some fatigue.

Having been waiting quietly by his side, Yu Youshu, who was on duty today, stepped forward at the right moment. She extended her slender fingers and massaged Xiao Yan's tense shoulder and neck acupoints with just the right amount of force. At the same time, she softly asked, "Everyone, it's almost time for dinner. Where would be a suitable place to eat today?"

Xiao Yan closed his eyes and enjoyed a moment of relaxation. After a brief moment of contemplation, he thought of the personal expedition he had discussed with his senior officials during the day. He had already made up his mind, so he instructed in a gentle tone: "The weather is fine today, and the spring breeze is warm. Let's hold a small banquet in the Imperial Garden. I will dine with the Empress and the others, and we can also talk about the situation in the south."

Yu Youshu accepted the order and immediately assigned a female official to go to the Imperial Kitchen and the Imperial Garden to make arrangements.

About half an hour later, the imperial garden was already illuminated with lanterns. The carefully hung palace lanterns and the pearls adorning the corridors made the pavilions, towers, bridges, and streams in the garden look like a dream.

A spring breeze blows, bringing the fresh scent of sprouting plants, a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

The Empress arrived first, dressed in a scarlet palace gown with a matching sheer veil. Her dark hair was loosely tied up, and her phoenix eyes, which usually exuded a more approachable and gentle charm, were now more captivating than her usual imposing presence.

As Xiao Yan was carefully reading the imperial gazettes of the past few days, he naturally reached out and pulled her to the seat beside him when she arrived. He whispered a few intimate words to her, and the Empress listened with a smile, occasionally covering her mouth with her sleeve and letting out a pleasant laugh.

Following closely behind, concubines such as Ji Ruxue, Jiang Chen, Chi Meng, Shuliduo, Yelü Zhiwu, Qianwu, Bago, and Li Cunren also arrived gracefully one after another.

Since it was a rare family gathering, the women's outfits were all unique and creative, some were elegant and refined, some were bright and beautiful, some were dignified and graceful, and some were lively and agile.

Their appearance seemed to instantly gather all the brilliance and color in the world. Even the famous flowers and exotic plants that were in full bloom in the Imperial Garden paled in comparison to this vibrant and fragrant garden, merely existing in form but lacking any dazzling beauty.

As the dishes were served one after another, Xiao Yan raised his chopsticks to signal everyone to start eating. The conversation naturally began with the two children's amusing antics of the day: how Li Mingzhao babbled and imitated adults, and how Li Dai quietly and attentively played with his toys. The children's innocent charm brought laughter to everyone.

After several rounds of drinks, we sampled five different dishes.

Seeing that everyone had relaxed, Xiao Yan put down his chopsticks and glanced at each of the women present. Sensing his gaze, the soft laughter at the table gradually subsided, and the women realized that the emperor had something to say.

"Speaking of which, the reason I invited everyone to dinner today, besides just for a casual get-together, is also to discuss the matter of heading south in more detail. I already extended an invitation at the city gate this morning, and now that Wu and Yue have submitted, the situation is becoming clearer, so this matter has now been formally settled."

Xiao Yan paused slightly before continuing, "The war in Jiangnan is progressing faster than expected. Once the Ezhou front is secured, I have decided to personally lead the expedition. This trip south is not only to supervise the battle and observe the situation, but also to stay in Jinling for a period of time after the war. After all, the southeast has just been annexed, and the people's hearts have only recently settled. Without my personal presence, it will be difficult to thoroughly reorganize the situation."

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on the Empress, but he addressed everyone at once: "At that time, with Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, and others remaining in the central government to manage affairs in Bianjing, there is no need to worry. Therefore, my idea is... Yun Ji, and all of you, come south with me. After the war is over, the palaces in Jinling can be used after some minor repairs, and we can also change our environment and experience the misty rain of Jiangnan."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's phoenix eyes initially flashed with a hint of excitement and joy; as Empress, she naturally longed to travel with her husband. However, after a moment, the joy in her eyes subtly hardened, and she put down her spoon, pondered for a moment, and said:

"Your Majesty's intention to personally reside in Jinling to pacify Jiangnan and fundamentally eliminate any signs of disloyalty is a decision I wholeheartedly agree with; it is indeed the best course of action. However, upon careful consideration, while Chancellor Han and Duke Jing are undoubtedly loyal and capable, Bianjing is ultimately the foundation of the dynasty, the central government, from which all decrees originate. It cannot be without a central figure to oversee and manage affairs, thus reassuring the officials. I believe it would be better for me and Aji to remain in Bianjing, overseeing the daily operations of the court and comforting the officials on Your Majesty's behalf. In this way, Your Majesty can focus wholeheartedly on developing Jiangnan, enabling the southeast to regain its prosperity and peace as soon as possible..."

However, before she could finish speaking, Xiao Yan gently shook his head:

“Yunji, how could I not understand your thoughts? You are concerned for the country and for the greater good. But while Bianjing is indeed the foundation of the nation, you and I, as husband and wife, must also be of one mind and share the burdens. The governance of Jiangnan involves not only military and political campaigns, but also the people's livelihood, education, social integration, and economic recovery. There are many details and countless matters to consider and decide. How can I be at ease leaving you alone in Bianjing, thousands of miles away? How can I demonstrate the court's determination to manage Jiangnan?”

He reached out and gently placed his hand on the back of the Empress's hand, which was resting on the table. Looking at her, he said, "Husband and wife are one, how can we be separated? This time, on our journey south, no one can be left behind. Bianjing has Han Yanhui and Jing Xiang, and I believe they can handle the daily affairs. If there are any major decisions, the Imperial Guard's Animal Control Division can deliver the message to Jinling in no time. There's no need to discuss this matter any further; it's settled then."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, the Empress was slightly taken aback, then a helpless smile appeared on her face. A warm feeling welled up in her heart, and she finally nodded gently: "Yes, Your Majesty... I will obey Your Majesty's arrangements."

Seeing that the Empress no longer insisted, Xiao Yan nodded in satisfaction and turned his gaze to the other people at the table.

Ji Ruxue had been watching him with a smile the whole time. When he looked at her, she simply smiled faintly and nodded gently, everything understood without saying a word.

The surrendered minister rested her chin on her hand, glancing sideways at Xiao Yan: "Your Majesty is going to the Jiangnan region in the third month of spring, and I will naturally go with you to see it. I've heard that the scenery of West Lake is the best in the world, so I'll see if it's really true that 'it looks good whether it's lightly or heavily made up.' It's much more interesting than being stuck in this palace all day."

Chi Meng couldn't contain herself any longer and immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Great! Everyone should go! Little Pot, you promised to take us to eat all the delicious food in Jiangnan and see all the beautiful scenery, you can't go back on your word!"

Shuliduo glanced at the Empress, then said, "Your Majesty's personal presence to pacify the newly annexed territories is the best strategy for stabilizing them. I believe it is very appropriate. Whatever Your Majesty decides, I am willing to follow you."

Yelü Zhiwu, who was standing next to her, nodded earnestly in agreement.

Qianwu, Bago, Li Cunren, and others also quietly echoed, expressing their willingness to accompany the emperor.

Seeing that the women had no objections and were even quite supportive, Xiao Yan felt comforted and nodded, saying, "In that case, we will go together then. Once the southeast is completely stable, we can discuss returning to the capital."

With the matter settled, the atmosphere in the Imperial Garden became relaxed and lively again. The soft sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air as everyone continued to enjoy their food and chat casually.

After chatting and enjoying themselves for about half an hour, everyone dispersed in high spirits.

As night deepened, Xiao Yan stayed in the palace where Shuliduo resided. The palace was dimly lit by candlelight, the curtains were drawn low, and a faint, warm fragrance filled the air.

After a passionate and joyful night, when the wind and rain stopped, Xiao Yan habitually tried to get up. Usually at this time, he would either go to his study to handle some unfinished official business or simply take a bath and rest.

However, tonight, Shuliduo did not obediently loosen her arms around his waist as usual. Instead, she stretched out her arms and wrapped them even tighter around his waist, pressing her cheek against his sweaty chest.

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback and looked down at her.

Shuliduo looked up, and in her usually smiling and calm eyes, though lingering desire remained, there was also a surge of unease and longing rarely seen in a woman of her status, as well as deeper emotions that perhaps even she herself was not fully aware of.

She gasped for breath, her face flushed with a desperate urge, and said, word by word, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I also want a child."

Xiao Yan paused slightly.

The matter of offspring in the harem has always been a sensitive one. Although he had feelings for all the women around him, he always maintained a delicate balance and consideration, especially towards Shuliduo...

Before he could respond, Shuliduo, as if afraid of rejection, tightened her long, strong legs around his muscular waist and continued to whisper:
"Your Majesty knows that you have many concerns. But I... I am not only Shuliduo of the grasslands, but also Your Majesty's woman. From the first time we met until now... I have witnessed with my own eyes how Your Majesty has created this unprecedented situation. Your Majesty has not only conquered my body, but also... completely taken over my body."

She pulled Xiao Yan's hand and pressed it firmly against her left breast, where her heart was beating rapidly and powerfully.

"Your Majesty, I do not wish to be merely a symbol. I also yearn for a child who carries the most noble blood in the land, and whose very flesh and blood continue my lineage. A child who embodies both the resilience of the grasslands and the glory of the Central Plains. A child who will deepen and strengthen the bond between Your Majesty and me..."

Her gaze was intense, but her tone carried an almost desperate plea: "Your Majesty... grant me this wish."

Inside the tent, all was silent except for the sound of their intertwined breaths.

Xiao Yan gazed quietly at the sincerity and vulnerability in Shuliduo's eyes, recalling how she had always followed him wholeheartedly since she submitted to the Northern Desert. Whether it was assisting in pacifying the various tribes on the grasslands, or being obedient and adapting to the Central Plains etiquette after marrying into the palace, or even the insightful suggestions she occasionally made in political affairs, she had always been by his side.

He saw the vulnerability beneath her strong exterior, the insecurity stemming from her identity and circumstances, and the maternal longing that transcended political calculations and was purely that of a woman.

(End of this chapter)