Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 498 Beginning of Longing (Including the Ending and Leave Notice)

"The Holy Maiden has returned, and the will of the gods is clear—Turgutai has acted perversely and committed heinous crimes, and the Wolf God has abandoned him. His throne must be immediately deposed, and Angge must be enthroned as the new king!"

Amonlah stepped forward at the opportune moment, raised his staff, and delivered the final verdict in a loud voice.

The will of the vast majority of tribal leaders and soldiers sided with the side blessed by the oracle of the saintess and the high priest—the side of Prince Moryl, who also had a strong army.

The oracle is the highest command.

Ang straightened his still somewhat thin back, took a deep breath, and suppressed the nervousness of commanding thousands of troops for the first time.

"Wolf Riders, heed my command! Capture Turgutai and uphold the might of the Wolf God!"

Upon seeing this, the tribal chiefs and soldiers who had been hesitant all defected.

The royal guard collapsed instantly.

Some soldiers threw down their scimitars and knelt down to beg for mercy, while others took advantage of the chaos to run towards the gap in the palace wall...

Turgutai, Harbala, Wunqi, and a few loyal guards on the high platform were surrounded by the relentlessly advancing wolf riders and were now trapped like turtles in a jar.

"You dare! You've rebelled! You've truly rebelled..."

"I am the king chosen by the Wolf God..."

Turgutai was at his wit's end, his face contorted in a grimace.

"If you take another step forward, I will have Ainuer buried with you—"

Uenchi went even crazier. Seeing Xue Ji's glaring eyes, he lunged forward, pressing his curved blade tightly against her neck, and roared, "Your Majesty, why waste words with them! Kill this madwoman first, take her down with you..."

He applied force with his hand, and Yuki immediately screamed in fright.

"Turgutai, Uchien—"

A cold voice suddenly pierced the noise.

Xue Sui, who had no one in sight, had already drawn his bow and stood at the edge of the firelight in his Hu clothing. The hem of his clothes fluttered in the night wind, and his dark eyes were as cold as the ice on the top of Mount Wulan.

"Release my mother, and perhaps I may spare your body."

"Hahahaha." Wu Enqi laughed uncontrollably.

"You dare to spout such nonsense even when you're about to die. Listen up, everyone below! By order of the King, lay down your weapons immediately, retreat outside the city, and hand over the traitors Angge and Mayila. Otherwise, your Princess Ayinur will behead you right now..."

"I'll count to three!"

"One!" Uenchi began counting.

A deathly silence enveloped the palace square.

Xue Ji looked down at Xue Sui from the high platform, tears streaming down her face.

"Don't worry about me...you all...just punish these heartless villains for the Wolf God..."

Xue Sui nocked an arrow, slowly drawing the bowstring taut, his gaze fixed.

"Two!" Uenqi was already in a state of hysterical madness.

"three……"

Before the last note had even faded, an arrow pierced the air.

Whoosh!
The arrow, with a sharp whistling sound, pierced through Uenchi's throat with perfect accuracy...

Wu Enqi screamed, his eyes widened, his scimitar clattered to the ground, and his body fell straight backward.

Almost at the same moment the arrow was released, Xue Sui darted out like a cheetah.

Ang's wolf guards followed closely behind, cutting through the human wall of people and charging forward.

Xue Sui leaped onto the high platform in a few bounds, pulled the still-shaken Xue Ji behind him to protect her, and coldly swept his gaze toward Turgutai.

"Why aren't you surrendering?!"

Turgutai was both shocked and furious, and roared loudly.

"Loose the arrows! Kill them!"

Turgutai's loyal followers charged forward, swords drawn.

However, the tide had turned.

The oracle of Amun-Rakh and the wolf god's token brought back by Tuya shattered the psychological defenses of the Turgutai camp.

His loyal followers, upon seeing Wu Enqi's death, some immediately dropped their swords, knelt down, and shouted their allegiance to the new king.

"Take him down!" Ang shouted.

The wolf riders swarmed forward.

Turgutai, with his personal guards, attempted to escape in the chaos, but was tripped and captured by wolf riders as soon as he mounted his horse.

Several days later, Turgutai was publicly executed in front of the Wolf God Altar outside Chishui City.

His cronies were also eradicated.

A bloody civil war was quelled quickly with minimal cost before it could fully erupt.

There were no unexpected bloodshed or casualties...

Amun-Rakh appeased the tribes in the name of the wolf god, while Moril led the wolf riders to stabilize order.

The dust has settled.

With the help of Amonlah, Ang rightfully inherited the throne.

The young king, with clear and resolute eyes, publicly swore an oath before the statue of the Wolf God to work diligently to restore peace and prosperity to Xiz, and expressed his gratitude to Xue Sui for turning the tide, saving Xiz from a great calamity and minimizing casualties...

On behalf of the royal court, he honored Xue Sui as the "Princess of Ulan" of Xiz, so that she might forever enjoy the reverence of her people...

The dark clouds that had shrouded Chishui City finally let in the sunlight.
-
It should have been a joyous occasion for her daughter to be granted the title of princess, but Xue Ji's life force seemed to be pointing out her enemy. After witnessing Wu Enqi's execution, it was completely exhausted.

She fell ill in the old palace where she had lived as a child, and her health gradually deteriorated.

Xue Sui stayed by his mother's bedside day and night, personally serving her medicine, his heart filled with sorrow and guilt.

"Mother, it's my fault for not taking good care of you."

Xue Ji shook her head, gently grasped Xue Sui's hand, her breath was unsteady, but her eyes were clearer than ever before.

"Sixth Sister, don't talk nonsense... Your mother has been confused more often than she's been clear-headed in her life... It's you who suffers..."

She took a breath and forced a smile, "But I don't regret it... All the hardships I've endured in this life, if it was all for having a good daughter like you, I think it was all worth it..."

"Mother, don't say anymore. You should rest well. You'll get better," Xue Sui said softly, her eyes red.

"Alright." Xueji smiled, gazing at the familiar sky outside the window, a hint of relief on her lips. "My sixth sister, you're capable, much better than your mother... Your mother trusts you completely... In a few days, you should return to the capital. Li Zhao... he's a good man... From now on, you must treat each other well..."

Xue Sui nodded silently.

That day, she held her mother's hand and sat quietly for a long time, feeling as if a part of her heart had been hollowed out...
-
Yesterday, when Mollus came to visit his mother, he privately spoke with her.

He said that in order to consolidate the new king's regime and strengthen relations with neighboring countries, Xiz needs to take the initiative to show goodwill to the Emperor of Daliang.

The high priest and several leaders discussed the matter and dispatched messengers with the new kingdom's letter and a list of gifts to the capital to request imperial approval.

In addition to the famous horses, furs, and jade that are local specialties of the Siz, the gift list also included twenty beautiful young women from various tribes.

Among them, the most eye-catching was Princess Ulidulan, who was famous for her beauty.

She is Angge's older sister, born of the same mother, and is sixteen years old, in the prime of her youth.

Xiz hoped to offer Ulidulan to the Emperor of Daliang in order to establish a friendly alliance and ensure long-term peace on the border.

Moller's words were straightforward and realistic—

It was not a new practice for Xizi to send the princess into the harem of Daliang.

Princess Wenjia's mother, Princess Sena, and Princess Tuya herself were both like this...

In their view, personal feelings are insignificant compared to the greater interests of the tribe.

Moreover, it is common for emperors to take in concubines, and no noblewoman can monopolize the emperor's heart. Li Zhao's harem will eventually become full, and accepting a princess from Xizi is both a tradition and a way to support and consolidate Xue Sui's position in Daliang.

Although he considered it a matter of course, Moli, out of respect for Xue Sui, still tactfully sought her opinion. At that time, Xue Sui was sitting under the old palace corridor, drying two hard-won forget-me-nots.

The wind in Chishui City carried the scent of sand and dust from the Gobi Desert, causing her clothes to flutter.

She asked with a smile, "Brother, how should I answer that?"

Moller didn't pick up on her emotions and his tone became even more earnest.

“Mayila, you are our most honored Princess Ulan of Xiz, and you are also a wise person... Please... consider the bigger picture.”

Xue Sui twitched the corner of his mouth.

After a moment of silence, he revealed a very faint smile, devoid of any discernible emotion.

"It's a joyous occasion that the two countries are on good terms. Just follow the rules."
-
Up in the capital, to the Zichen Palace.

Li Zhao looked at the letter of credence and gift list presented by the Xiz envoy, his dark eyes deep and his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

The atmosphere inside the hall was tense. Lai Fu stood with his hands at his sides, not daring to utter a sound.

After a long while, Li Zhao finally raised his eyes and looked at the scout kneeling before him.

"Did she really... say that?"

The two spies exchanged a glance and lowered their heads even further.

One of them reported cautiously.

"Your Majesty, the Empress... that's exactly what she said. I dare not utter a single falsehood."

Li Zhao didn't say anything more, and reached out to touch the black dog lying at his feet.

Black Eighteen raised its big head and rubbed against his palm, letting out a low whimper, as if to comfort him.

The silence inside the hall was eerily quiet.

The palace lanterns swayed in the wind, casting flickering light on Li Zhao's face.

“Your mother is really…” Li Zhao whispered to Hei Shiba, his Adam’s apple bobbing, before swallowing the rest of the sentence.

Did she... even for a moment feel any resentment that he might take another woman as a concubine?
Probably not.

That bastard Xue Ping'an, when he hardens his heart, he's truly ruthless.

These days, he often goes to Pifang Pavilion and sits there for half a day.

Looking at the tea set she used, the calligraphy she wrote on, and the soft pillow she often leaned against, I greedily absorbed the scent she left behind...

Sometimes, as he falls asleep against the soft pillows, he wakes up in the middle of the night in a daze and subconsciously thinks that she has only left temporarily and has returned to her parents' home as before. The next moment, she will push open the door and come in with a smile, saying, "Your Majesty, I'm back," or she will frown and complain to him, "Li Zhao, why aren't you resting so late?"

But every time he came to his senses, he was the only one in the hall.

How cruel!

this woman.
-
The next morning at court, Li Zhao handed the official letter from Xizi to an eunuch for circulation among the court officials.

Luke Fu immediately stepped forward, his face beaming, and said, “Your Majesty, the new King of Xiz has sent envoys to pay tribute and sent a princess for marriage, willingly becoming a vassal. This is a great thing… Princess Ulidulan has a reputation for virtue. After entering the palace, she will surely be able to share Your Majesty’s burdens and ensure the long-term peace of our western border.”

Other court officials nodded in agreement.

Li Zhaogao sat on the dragon throne, listening expressionlessly.

After the discussion subsided, he looked at Lu Youan, who had remained silent.

"Minister Lu, what do you think?"

Lu Youan bowed and stepped forward, cautiously replying, "Your Majesty, the new King of Xiz has just ascended the throne, and his intentions are very sincere. A marriage alliance can secure the borders, but in international relations, trust and commitment are paramount, and cannot be tied to a single individual. I believe that establishing an alliance with Xiz, clearly defining the borders, and facilitating trade are the only way to ensure long-term stability and peace."

Li Zhao nodded slightly.

He didn't look at the ministers who echoed his sentiments; he lightly tapped the armrest with his fingertip and pondered for a moment.

“What you, my esteemed ministers, have said is all reasonable.”

The ministers held their breath.

Then he slowly said, "If I were to refuse the new King of Xiz's kind offer outright, it would seem cold-hearted and could easily create discord."

This statement surprised many people.

The emperor has rejected so many beauties who have come to him these days that it's almost impossible to count them all.

He's actually relenting now? The emperor's heart is unfathomable.

The crowd bowed and kowtowed, shouting that His Majesty was wise and benevolent.

Li Zhao raised his hand to stop the flattery, and looked at Lu Youan with an inscrutable expression.

"Minister Lu".

"Your subject is here," Lu Youan bowed and stepped forward to reply.

Li Zhao tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the imperial desk, then suddenly coughed.

Laifu quickly stepped forward and offered him warm tea and a handkerchief.

After a long while, Li Zhao stopped coughing and raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the hall, his voice slightly hoarse.

"I hereby appoint you as the special envoy of the Great Liang. You shall immediately travel to Chishui City with the imperial insignia to meet with the new King of Xizi and conclude a treaty. Then, in accordance with custom, you shall bring the princess back to the capital."

Lu Youan solemnly accepted the order: "Your subject obeys!"

After the court session, Li Zhao returned to Pifang Pavilion.

He sat by the window where Xue Sui usually sat, looking at the pomegranate tree in the courtyard that had already borne small fruits, and remained silent for a long time.

Lai Fu quietly served tea and whispered, "Regarding the marriage alliance with Xiz... Her Majesty received the news but didn't say a word more. I'm afraid... she's already taken it to heart. Now that His Majesty has issued the decree to truly welcome the princess back, Her Majesty might be reluctant and refuse to return..."

Li Zhao clinked his teacup together. "You understand her best."

Laifu tilted his head slightly, his face revealing a hint of smugness.

Li Zhao glanced at him and slowly beckoned him.

Lai Fu quickly suppressed his smile, bowed, and stepped forward, "What are your orders, Your Majesty..."

"Turn around."

Upon hearing his master's order, Laifu dared not ask any questions and obediently turned his back to him. Just as he was muttering to himself, he was suddenly given a light but not heavy kick on the buttocks.

"You bastard, you're the only one with a mouth!"

"Ouch!" Lai Fu stumbled, clutching the spot where he had been kicked, and turned around with a wide grin.

"Your Majesty played well, played wonderfully, and made me feel extremely comfortable..."

Li Zhao then picked up his teacup, took a sip, coughed twice, and sighed lazily.

"So what if it's awkward? I've been feeling unwell lately, and I can't indulge myself while I'm sick... If she truly cares, she'll understand."

Laifu rubbed his bottom, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

It has been a long time since His Majesty has so freely vented his anger since ascending the throne.

This reminded him of when he was in the Eastern Palace, and His Highness the Crown Prince would stubbornly insist on being defiant when trying to attract the Empress's attention. He was clearly uncomfortable but too embarrassed to say it outright, so he could only vent his frustration on this old man.

Li Zhaodao said, "Go and tell the Imperial Hospital that from today onwards, they should come to have their pulse checked every day at Shenshi (3-5 PM)."

Lai Fu didn't dare to ask any more questions and quickly bowed in agreement.

He vaguely guessed that His Majesty was just putting on an act in various ways, hoping that the Empress would come back and feel sorry for him...

　Sisters, the serialization of "Ask Jiuqing" is nearing its end. To ensure the quality of the finale, Erjin would like to take a few days off as usual to carefully consider how to write it.

　　Please understand!
　　Mwah.

　　The finale will be uploaded on September 30th. Please wait patiently...

　　Note: It's definitely a happy ending, don't worry, it's he, he...

　　(End of this chapter)