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

Chapter 544 Scoundrel
Although one of the main halls of Jinling, the ancient capital of six dynasties, was burned down by Yuan Tiangang, the overall layout is still intact. Its palaces and gardens are nearly twice as spacious as the Bianjing Palace before it was expanded.

So after Xiao Yan parted ways with the surrendered ministers and other women, he walked through corridors and courtyards until he slowly arrived at the Empress's bedroom. It was already close to dusk, and the sky was full of evening glow.

Upon seeing him approach, Guangmutian, who was in the corridor preparing for the palace servants to set up and light the palace lanterns, hurriedly went to greet him and announce his arrival. Xiao Yan waved his hand, indicating that they did not need to disturb those inside. He then quietly stepped into the hall, lifted the thin bamboo curtain, and entered the hall.

As the lights in the palace began to illuminate the scene, the Empress and Ji Ruxue were found sitting intently opposite each other in front of a chessboard.

The Empress's black hair was loosely tied up, without any hairpins or ornaments, with a few strands falling casually down her neck. She was leaning slightly forward, examining the chessboard, exuding beauty and gentle grace to the extreme. On the other hand, Ji Ruxue was dressed in a simple blue robe, her brows and eyes clear and calm, her jade-like hand holding a black chess piece, deep in thought.

Two beauties playing chess, one warm and the other serene, is a truly delightful sight to behold under the lamplight.

Xiao Yan didn't make a sound to disturb him, a smile unconsciously appearing on his face. He simply stood quietly by the curtain and watched for a while.

The black and white pieces were entangled on the chessboard, clearly indicating that the game had reached a crucial mid-game stage. The Empress seemed to sense something, subconsciously glancing up. She paused for a moment, then smiled faintly. Ji Ruxue also looked up, and upon seeing Xiao Yan, a hint of surprise flashed across her beautiful face. She then rose with the Empress.

"When did Jiulang arrive? We didn't even notice. How rude of us!" The Empress said this, but her tone was smiling, showing no sign of fear.

Upon hearing the Empress speak, Ji Ruxue pretended to be solemn and straightened her already neat dress, curtsied, and said in a serious tone, "Husband, please don't be angry. My mind was on the game of chess just now, and I didn't greet you. It was my and my sister's fault."

Seeing Ji Ruxue's unusually pretentious demeanor, Xiao Yan found it amusing. He took a few steps forward, his gaze lingering on the two beauties, but instead of responding to Ji Ruxue's words, he reached out and lightly patted her round, firm buttocks.

Ji Ruxue was caught off guard by his sudden move and let out a soft cry. Her feigned serious expression instantly crumbled, her cheeks flushed, and she glared at Xiao Yan with a hint of embarrassment and annoyance, "Li Jiulang!"

Seeing this, the Empress couldn't help but cover her mouth with her sleeve and chuckle softly, her eyes crinkling into crescents.

Seeing her smile, Xiao Yan turned to her as well, pretending to pat her, and said, "We can't favor one over the other, Yun Ji, you can't escape either."

The Empress was not about to give in. She laughed and dodged to the side, spitting lightly, "You're so irresponsible! Xue'er is being silly, and you're joining in on our nonsense."

Her skirt swayed slightly as she moved, and the previous solemnity was instantly dispelled by her childlike playfulness.

Ji Ruxue also recovered and stood with the Empress, laughing as she chimed in, "Sister is right, this person showed his true colors as soon as he arrived, he's just a lecher!"

Looking at his two smiling wives, Xiao Yan felt a warmth in his heart and laughed loudly, "Well done! Now you two are of one mind and are joining forces to deal with your husband."

The three of them laughed and joked for a while. Yu Youshu, who was bringing in a pot of refreshing tea from outside, heard the commotion inside the hall, paused, and looked at Guang Mutian. The latter smiled and shook his head slightly at her. Yu Youshu understood, smiled back, and waited quietly in the outer room with the teapot.

After a while of making a fuss, seeing that he couldn't possibly get a shot of the Empress's beautiful buttocks, Xiao Yan decided to stop while he was ahead and laughed, "Alright, I can't outmaneuver you with numbers. Where are Aji and Adai? They're quiet today and haven't bothered you."

The Empress stopped laughing, her breathing slightly short, and pointed to the warm pavilion: "The wet nurse is playing with him inside. I heard Aji babbling earlier, but he's probably tired from playing and needs to be fed now."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan snorted and said, "You all rest for a while, I'll go check on those two boys."

As he spoke, he received a half-smile from Ji Ruxue, a look that seemed both angry and playful, and then turned and walked toward the warm pavilion with a lingering smile.

Then they saw Li Mingzhao being supported by his wet nurse, swaying on the ground trying to stand up. When he saw his father come in, he immediately grinned, his little mouth, which hadn't grown all its teeth yet, and stretched out his chubby arms, asking to be held. The second son, Li Dai, was being held by another wet nurse, his big, dark eyes wide open, looking curiously at his excited older brother.

Xiao Yan bent down and first teased the toddler Li Mingzhao, then took Li Dai from the wet nurse's hands. The little guy squirmed in his arms, found a comfortable position, and then quieted down, just staring at his father.

Xiao Yan then held his younger son and squatted down to play with his older son for a while. Only when the wet nurse gently reminded him that it was time to feed and settle the children did he hand Li Dai back to his mother. He then rubbed Li Mingzhao's head and watched as the wet nurse took good care of the two children before turning back to the outer room.

The two women continued playing the unfinished game. When they saw him come out, they just glanced at each other and ignored him, each focusing on their own game.

Xiao Yan, thick-skinned as ever, wasn't annoyed. He forced himself to sit down next to the Empress, enjoying the fragrance emanating from his first wife and taking a sip of the cool tea that Yu Youshu had finally brought in from outside. He felt extremely comfortable before turning his attention to the chessboard.

After watching for a while, Xiao Yan smiled slightly and said to Ji Ruxue, "Xue'er, your dragon is getting a little tense."

Ji Ruxue gazed intently at the chessboard, then sighed softly, "Sister's calculations are far-reaching; I am already at a disadvantage." After placing a few more pieces, she resigned, "Sister has won."

As the Empress tidied up the chess pieces, she said gently, "You have only been learning chess for a little over a year, and it is already quite remarkable that you have such skill. If you hadn't hesitated a bit in your response in the center just now, the outcome would have been uncertain."

Seeing this, Xiao Yan smiled at Ji Ruxue and said, "It seems that I angered you just now, causing you to lose the game. How about I win back the game for you as an apology?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Ruxue's eyes flickered slightly, and a faint smile appeared on her usually aloof face. She then followed his words and said, "Since everyone is so willing, I will naturally give them this opportunity. However, if they lose, they cannot use it as an excuse to bully others."

The Empress smiled and placed the jar of white chess pieces she had put away beside her, teasingly saying, "Husband, don't boast. Xue'er was able to hold her own against me for a long time, which shows that her chess skills are not weak. If you make a mistake later, you will lose face big time."

Xiao Yan laughed heartily and confidently sat down in the seat Ji Ruxue had just occupied: "The outcome is still uncertain. Yun Ji, please."

Ji Ruxue smiled and moved aside to watch the battle, personally refilling the tea for the two of them.

The Empress, playing white, made the first move, while Xiao Yan responded with black. During the opening, both players moved swiftly and rhythmically, clearly indicating they were familiar with each other's strategies and moves. After about a dozen moves, the game entered the middle game, and the pace slowed down, with only the crisp sound of pieces being placed echoing in the hall.

At that moment, Xiao Yan picked up a black piece and rubbed it between his fingers, looking at a region on the chessboard that was not yet fully formed. He seemed to be completely focused, and casually said, "Speaking of which, Chi Li's military report has also arrived. The southern army is advancing smoothly and has entered Chaozhou as planned."

The Empress, focused on calculating the subsequent variations of a move, glanced at Xiao Yan upon hearing this, then returned her attention to the chessboard. She responded with a soft "yes," picked up a white piece, placed it in a strategic spot, and then continued:

"Wang Yanzhang has cleared Hunan, and the pressure from the north should be coming soon. With his elder brother in Hangzhou, he is surrounded on three sides. Even if Wang Shenzhi relies on the mountains and forests of Fujian, he probably won't be able to hold out for long."

Xiao Yan followed her moves, assessing the changing situation, and continued, "We have the advantage in terms of manpower and resources. He may be able to put up a stubborn resistance for a while by relying on the mountain's natural defenses, but his defeat is inevitable; it's only a matter of time."

He paused briefly, holding a black piece, and placed it lightly on the top of the board, as if searching for the best entry point. "What I am worried about is not their defense, but their...escape."

He extended his index finger and pointed vaguely at the edge of the chessboard, near his own territory yet pointing outwards: "Fuzhou and Quanzhou are both strategic coastal cities. Wang Shenzhi has been entrenched here for many years, and maritime trade is thriving. How could he not have ships? Xu Wen is cunning and treacherous. When he fled south from Poyang, he already harbored the intention to go to sea. They will never be content to be trapped in isolated cities, much less retreat into the mountains of western Fujian to become bandits. That would be cutting off their own path to survival. The sea is their only possible option."

Ji Ruxue, who was watching the game from the side, said softly, "Is my husband worried that they will follow Xu Zhigao's example and flee overseas?"

"It's not a worry, it's inevitable."

Xiao Yan spoke with certainty, placing another piece, his chess style becoming more aggressive. "Xu Zhigao is a cunning man with three burrows. He abandoned Xu Wen and fled north to the East China Sea. Although his actions are despicable, his judgment may not be wrong. The islands of the South China Sea are also within the reach of our navy. Only by going east, deep into the vast ocean, or further south, can we find a glimmer of hope. Wang Shenzhi is familiar with sea routes, and Xu Wen has wealth. If the two join forces, they will surely choose the sea route."

The Empress pondered for a moment, then placed a white piece on the board with her slender finger, attempting to sever the black pieces' connection. She then said, "In that case, should we order Shi Hongzhao and Wang Xiancheng's naval forces to strengthen coastal patrols and blockade ports to prevent their escape?"

"A passive blockade of the sea area inevitably leads to oversights."

Xiao Yan shook his head, holding a black piece and throwing it into the white formation without hesitation. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "My intention is not to entangle with them on this shore. My brother has been consolidating the navy in Hangzhou for some time now. Wu and Yue have submitted, and we have gained many generals and ships familiar with the sea. We can order him not to wait for the final outcome of the war in Fujian, but to lead the main force of the navy and set sail eastward."

"Eastward advance?" The Empress paused slightly, her hand poised to make a move, and looked up at Xiao Yan. "What is the target?"

"Ryukyu." Upon hearing these two words, Ji Ruxue's eyes showed a hint of doubt. She didn't know much about overseas geography. Although she had heard of this island, she knew very little about it.

Fortunately, the Empress was well-read and possessed some knowledge of the matter. She frowned, looking at the chessboard as if deducing from the game's flow, and slowly said, "Ryukyu… According to historical records, it faces the Central Plains across the sea, where the winds and waves are unpredictable. Furthermore, the island is plagued by miasma, and the scattered tribes make cultivation difficult; it is hardly a suitable place. Our army has traveled a long way; if it is only to intercept Wang Shenzhi and Xu Wen, is it…?"

Xiao Yan understood her concerns, so he didn't rush to make a move. He just smiled and patiently said, "Yun Ji, you are reading the records of our predecessors. Our predecessors regarded Ryukyu as a wild and desolate place because they only saw the immediate difficulties and did not see its long-term benefits."

He stretched out his finger and drew a larger outline above the chessboard. "If I want to take Ryukyu, how could I really do it just for the likes of Xu Wen and Wang Shenzhi?"

"Your Majesty, I would like to hear the details." The Empress smiled sweetly, and Ji Ruxue also showed interest.

Xiao Yan then pointed to several key points on the chessboard and explained:
"Ryukyu is strategically located in the East China Sea, much like the outer edge of the 'center' point in a chess game. Controlling this place means having complete control over the East China Sea shipping lanes. Not only can it completely block the escape routes of Wang Shenzhi, Xu Wen, and others to the east or south, but it can also deter potential enemies, such as the pirates like Xu Zhigao who are suspected of having fled to Japan. In the future, our dynasty's merchant ships will travel north and south, and our navy will patrol the seas. This is one reason."

Secondly,

Seeing that the two women were listening attentively, and the Empress also nodded slowly, Xiao Yan used his finger to draw a virtual flight path on the chessboard.

"Sailing the seas is not something that can be accomplished in a day. Ships need to replenish fresh water and food, avoid storms, and undergo repairs and maintenance. If Ryukyu can be developed, it can become the most important transit point in this vast sea. In the future, whether heading south to Southeast Asia or trading with even more distant places, having this transit point will ensure smooth sea routes and make things twice as efficient."

"Thirdly, we must take a long-term view. The miasma can be dispelled, the land can be cultivated, and the people can be gathered. My brother has spent ten years in the Twelve Caves of Raojiang, and his Gu techniques are almost at the profound level. He has his own methods for dealing with miasma and damp heat. We can also recruit soldiers and farmers from Lingnan who are familiar with the local environment to accompany us. Although it will be difficult to establish a foothold in the early stages, just like the initial layout of a plan that requires patience and sacrifice, given time, we will surely be able to develop this island into a base for our dynasty to extend into the sea. The camphor, sulfur, timber, and other products that may be discovered in the future will all be useful."

He looked at the Empress and Ji Ruxue, placed a piece, and said, "This move may seem to be to eliminate the enemy at hand, but in reality, it is to open up a new territory for our dynasty in the future and open a door to a wider world. If our vision is limited to the chessboard of the continent, we will eventually feel cramped."

The Empress listened quietly, her phoenix eyes also filled with thought. She examined the chessboard, and it seemed that through Xiao Yan's explanation, she could see a much farther place through the nineteen lines.

After a long silence, she nodded slightly and placed a piece on the board: "Your Excellency's foresight is beyond my reach. If this is truly the case, then Ryukyu is not a barbaric wasteland, but a pearl of the sea, and it is worth making this move. As for my brother... I will write to him and explain the profound meaning behind this."

Xiao Yan laughed and agreed, but said, "There's no need to be too hasty. This matter is of long-term importance and requires a gradual approach. Let my brother-in-law make preparations first, selecting generals and officers familiar with the sea and willing to take on responsibilities, recruiting craftsmen and doctors, and stockpiling supplies. Once these are ready, we can send troops. Right now, there is another matter..."

As he spoke, he seemingly casually placed a few more pieces. The few white pieces he had captured earlier appeared to be just idle moves, but in reality, they had subtly altered the local balance of power.

Seeing that the Empress was slightly embarrassed, Xiao Yan glanced smugly at Ji Ruxue, earning her a helpless yet amused eye roll in return, before continuing:

"I am at ease entrusting the battle in Fujian to Wang Yanzhang and Chi Li. But in the newly annexed areas of Jiangnan, especially Wuyue, where Qian Liu has surrendered the whole country and has not yet been ravaged by war, the local forces are deeply entrenched and have not been truly shaken. I need to see with my own eyes whether the people below will outwardly comply and inwardly resist the new policies such as the equal land distribution order and the reduction of exorbitant taxes.

"Is Jiulang going to tour Wu and Yue?" The Empress immediately understood his intention, but her hands kept moving.

"Perhaps 'patrol' would be a more appropriate term."

Xiao Yan corrected him, calculating the number of items, "There are no urgent matters in Jinling for the time being. I plan to head to Hangzhou in a while, using Hangzhou as a base to inspect the old Wu-Yue territory, see firsthand the implementation of the new policies, and meet with local officials and gentry. Once Fujian is pacified, if the time is right, I would also like to go south to Quanzhou. Quanzhou Port is of great importance; future maritime transport will be inseparable from it. After that, I will take the route through Jiangxi and return north to Jinling. Calculating the journey, if everything goes smoothly, I should be able to return to Bianjing via Huainan before February next year."

He looked at the Empress, then glanced at Ji Ruxue who was listening attentively beside him, and softened his tone: "The imperial examination is about selecting talents for the country, and I need to personally oversee it in Bianjing. Although this trip is mainly for inspection, we can also take the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery of Jiangnan. However, the journey will be arduous and not as comfortable as in the palace."

He paused, then looked at the two women seriously. "I want to ask you, after you finish inspecting Hangzhou, would you be willing to temporarily entrust Mingzhao and Adai to Shuliduo and Qianwu for care, and accompany me on this trip?"

The Empress and Ji Ruxue exchanged a glance, a glint of light flashing in their eyes, but neither hesitated.

The Empress smiled and gently placed the chess piece back into the jar: "How could I dare disobey Your Majesty's order?"

Ji Ruxue, however, raised the corners of her mouth slightly and said slyly, "Husband, are you afraid that there will be no one to play chess with on the road, so you thought of bringing us two chess enthusiasts along?"

Seeing that they agreed, Xiao Yan's smile deepened, but he still asked again as if he was worried: "Is it really settled? The journey is long and arduous, so don't change your mind halfway through because you're tired."

When the Empress smiled and scolded, "When did Jiulang become so long-winded?" Ji Ruxue nodded in confirmation. Only then was he satisfied and stopped talking, focusing on the game of chess.

With a flick of his fingers, he placed a few more stones. The previously scattered black stones now subtly formed a large force, and in the endgame, his skillful moves were even more shrewd. A series of combinations were like a whirlwind, finally completely eliminating the remaining power of the white's large dragon.

Xiao Yan then placed the last piece on the chessboard with a "snap," and the game was immediately settled.

"You flatter me, Yunji."

Xiao Yan clapped his hands and laughed, then leaned towards Ji Ruxue, resting his chin directly on her slender shoulder and breathing hot air into her ear, saying, "Xue'er, you see how hard I worked to win, right? I went to such lengths to avenge you, is this apology sincere enough? There should be some reward..."

Ji Ruxue's ears tingled from his sudden intimacy, her face flushed, and she couldn't help but gently push his chest, scolding, "You only won a game of chess, and you're already acting all cute and asking for a reward? Who wants to reward you..."

Xiao Yan, however, went further, wrapping his arms around her slender waist and refusing to let go. His gaze then shifted to the Empress, who was watching them with a smile, his eyes lingering maliciously on her voluptuous and graceful body. He said slowly with a hint of regret, "And Yun Ji, that last time... I didn't get what I wanted. I'm still thinking about it..."

The Empress's cheeks flushed slightly under his gaze, and when she heard him recount their earlier playful antics, she couldn't help but lightly spit out a curse. She exchanged a glance with Ji Ruxue, both of them feeling both amused and exasperated.

"Hurry up and leave!" The Empress's eyes held a hint of reproach as she pointed a slender finger at Xiao Yan, adding to her allure. "He's becoming more and more unbecoming of an emperor, always thinking of fooling around and getting in the way. Xue'er, let's ignore him."

Ji Ruxue couldn't help but give him a light push, and said reproachfully, "Sister is right, you can't give this person a nice look."

Seeing the two women united in their hatred and their faces full of coquettish anger, Xiao Yan knew that he would not be able to get his way today. He could only laugh and get up, pretending to sigh, "Fine, fine, they've both crossed the river and burned the bridge. I'll leave now."

After saying this, Xiao Yan left with a feeling of both relief and slight regret.

After leaving the palace, Xiao Yan called for Yu Youshu, who was waiting there, and had someone fetch Zhong Xiaokui. Then, Xiao Yan led them to the side hall where they would have their meal.

However, just as dinner was set out and the dishes hadn't even been touched, a series of light footsteps could be heard from outside the hall, accompanied by a faint fragrance. Immediately, the light at the hall door dimmed, and a slender figure was seen leaning against the doorframe.

It was clear that the surrendered minister had just finished playing badminton. Her dress accentuated her curvaceous figure, and a few strands of damp hair clung to her forehead and neck. Her captivating peach blossom eyes were mesmerizing.

Without saying much, she casually waved to Yu Youshu and the others, then walked straight to Xiao Yan's side, stretched out her slightly cool, sweaty hand, and pulled him out without giving him a chance to explain.

"May I borrow your things, Your Majesty?"

Xiao Yan felt her wrist being grasped by her slightly damp and slippery hand. He looked up and met her shimmering eyes, shook his head and chuckled, but did not break free, letting her pull him up.

He only had time to tell Zhong Xiao Kui, "You guys go ahead and eat, no need to wait."

Before he could finish speaking, he was half-dragged, half-carried out of the side hall by the surrendered officials.

That night, the Emperor's plan to have a quiet dinner was thwarted. And within the palace of the esteemed Consort Shu, there must have been another day of strenuous labor that required a great deal of physical exertion.

(End of this chapter)