As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 314 Why don't you... stay here...?

His achievements overshadowed the emperor, leading to discord between the ruler and his ministers.

Xiao Xinyue personally read the imperial edict aloud, her words earnest and sincere.

Her current attitude has dispelled many speculations.

The officials didn't know if she was acting, but judging from her outward attitude, Xiao Xinyue showed Mingchen considerable respect and trust.

Mingchen is still a towering tree of Qianyuan.

This is only natural.

Hearing Xiao Xinyue's long speech, the officials felt inexplicably ashamed.

Each and every one of Mingchen's deeds was enough to change the fate of the nation; any one of them would be a feat worthy of being remembered for eternity.

However, this person takes on all of these responsibilities.

This Duke is only in his early twenties!
What else can he do?

Xiao Xinyue recounted his achievements, making all the ministers realize just how obviously they had won by doing nothing.

It's not because they're incompetent, but because one of them has an extraordinary ability.

No one questioned whether Mingchen deserved these positions and honors; he was deserving, and perhaps even a little underpaid.

They were met with gazes of either amazement or envy from the crowd.

Mingchen raised his head to meet the emperor's gaze on the high platform, his smile nonchalant. He bowed and said some polite words: "Chen, thank you, Your Majesty. I am willing to serve the Qian Yuan dynasty and dedicate myself to Your Majesty with utmost loyalty and selflessness."

This guy clearly wasn't telling the truth.

There is probably nothing in this world that could make him so desperate.

Xiao Xinyue couldn't help but mutter to herself.

However, this is also Mingchen.

Looking at his smiling face.

Xiao Xinyue was also momentarily dazed, her memories flowing through her mind as if she had traveled through time.

We met in the early summer of that year, in this city.

The down-on-her-luck and depressed princess entered the restaurant, knocking on the door of fate, and everything took a turn for the better.

Time flies, years pass, and before we know it... they have traveled such a long and far journey.

It's incredible.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, the sky turns a dusky yellow.

The time for the end had come. Xiao Xinyue stood tall and proud, looking down at the assembled officials below: "Today I share wealth and honor with you all. I hope you will remain loyal and devoted to the nation."

"You should all understand my heart, be conscientious in your duties, and work diligently day and night to help me overcome my shortcomings."

Everyone got what they wanted; their hard work bore fruit, and their excitement was overwhelming.

The officials bowed their heads: "Your Majesty, we obey your command."

……

Whether loyal and capable ministers are treated favorably and enjoy power and wealth is an important indicator of whether an emperor is wise or not.

Those who have made contributions should rightfully receive benefits; it is not to say that honest and upright officials must be destitute.

The fact that an honest, upright, and capable official lived in poverty does not only demonstrate the excellence and purity of the official, but also reveals the tragedy of the dynasty and the incompetence of the emperor.

Xiao Xinyue's performance in rewarding merits today was very successful.

The fact that Qian Yuan has reached its current position, narrowly escaping danger, is the result of everyone's joint efforts.

Merits vary in magnitude and cannot be accomplished by one person alone.

Every achievement was meticulously recorded by Xiao Xinyue, and in this grand occasion, she publicly bestowed honors upon them, settling all the accolades.

Even Zhang Boxing, Zhao Rujie, and others who were already dead were posthumously honored.

Even someone like Wang Su, whom I've never even met before, received a reward.

Resources were allocated to those who truly made contributions, rather than stolen by sycophants and opportunists.

Strict rewards and punishments—these four words seem easy, but they are very difficult to put into practice.

The emperor is supreme and controls the power to allocate resources. If he does these four things well throughout his life, he will at least be a wise ruler.

This is the healthiest way for a dynasty to operate, and it is also Xiao Xinyue's achievement as emperor.

In the future, everyone will be even more courageous and hardworking, fighting tooth and nail to build the country.

As everyone knows, whether it's fighting on the battlefield or handling busy logistical matters...

As long as they do it, the leaders will never forget every drop of blood and sweat they shed.

The new dynasty is full of vitality and everything is looking good.

At least in Mingchen's view, the sacrificial ceremony went very smoothly and Xiao Xinyue did a perfect job.

Night fell, the full moon still shone brightly, and stars dotted the night sky.

The high-ranking official, who had just been granted the title of Duke, was once again summoned to the palace by His Majesty.

"How is my Duke Anguo?"

Today is a special day. Many officials who received rewards were so excited that they tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

Meanwhile, in the palace, the dignified empress who could change the world by day blinked in private, like a puppy waiting for praise, and looked at the person before her: "I didn't disgrace your return of what I owed you, did I?"

Today's sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is her achievement, and it will be recorded in history.

She was confident that she had done a good job.

Mingchen raised his head, deliberately putting on a serious face: "It's just so-so~"

Seeing Ming Chen's expression, Xiao Xinyue knew he was up to no good: "What's wrong?"

"His Majesty only granted Chen the title of Duke! Chen has been diligent and hardworking all the way, and has made great contributions. Shouldn't he at least be granted the title of a king of a different surname?"

Listen to what they're saying.

What does it mean to 'just grant him the title of Duke'?
That mouth of hers is so infuriating!

Xiao Xinyue rolled her eyes at him: "Want me to slap you twice?"

Five hundred years have passed since the Qianyuan era, and to this day, no king of a different surname has been appointed.

It wasn't that Xiao Xinyue didn't want to give it, but rather that there was no need for it.

Although four dukes were granted titles in this reward ceremony, Xiao Xinyue's plan was to grant six titles, one to Yun Zheng who needed further experience, and another to other people who would rise to prominence and make great contributions later on.

However, among these dukes, Mingchen is clearly in a league of his own.

She knew it, and so did the courtiers.

Mingchen's current status is second only to the emperor, and in terms of actual power, he is far more prestigious than any king of a different surname.

At their level, one must be even more restrained.

The title of "King of a different surname" doesn't sound good; it's easy for someone to become too powerful and attract unwanted attention.

Even if it is to be sealed off, it will take another ten or eight years.

"Hehe~"

It was just a joke.

Mingchen just chuckled and wasn't annoyed.

He is already very satisfied with his current status.

I just don't know if there's a chance to sneak in a little something extra.

It seems like there's not much room for maneuver!

As if remembering something, he continued to ask Xiao Xinyue, "How did Your Majesty feel about the extraordinary phenomenon of golden scales leaping over the heavenly gate today?"

Xiao Xinyue was taken aback, raised her palm to look at it, and gently shook her head: "I don't know either, I can't describe it."

"I felt as if I had gained a powerful force."

"Really?!"

There is a mysterious and profound concept of destiny in this world.

Now that Qian Yuan has been restored, Xiao Xinyue, as the center of everything, must also bear the responsibility for this world.

Several demons around Mingchen told him that Xiao Xinyue now possessed terrifying energy and aura, making her impervious to evil spirits and all kinds of magic.

Xiao Xinyue clenched her fists, as if she had thought of something, and looked at Mingchen with a firm gaze: "Mingchen, I can also go to the battlefield if necessary!"

Although she hadn't yet fully unleashed her power, she knew that the spirit she possessed now was enough to turn the tide of battle.

Didn't Emperor Qi always personally lead his troops into battle and take the lead himself?

She can do it too!

After the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, the officials were overjoyed and excited.

For them, once the lost territory was recovered, their great cause seemed to be complete.

But this supreme monarch never relaxed.

She knew that the real challenge was just beginning.

Upon hearing this, Mingchen shook his head: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, we haven't reached that point yet!"

Each has its own expertise; the task of fighting battles can be left to the military generals.

Mingchen didn't really approve of Wang Huai's combat style of personally participating in every battle.

An ace is a trump card; it shouldn't always be used in a dangerous position.

Xiao Xinyue calmly said to Ming Chen, "I have received news that the Jinglan Alliance has reached a contract with Bei Lie."

"Beilie traded land for land, in exchange for the three passes of the Northern Territory under the control of the Jinglan Alliance."

"Presumably, troops have already been stationed there."

Mingchen paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Is that so?"

This is not good news, but it was expected.

The three passes in the northern border are very important to both Qian Yuan and Bei Lie. The Jing Lan Alliance cannot keep them; if they are kept, they will become targets for both countries. Therefore, they must be sold at a high price.

Which is better, selling to Bei Lie or selling to Qian Yuan?

It is clearly Bei Lie.

The Three Passes were originally Qian Yuan's territory, so selling them to Qian Yuan would be unreasonable, and they couldn't offer a high price.

Secondly, the Northern Lie are the more proactive and eager side to start a war.

The Jinglan Alliance also wants to instigate war, so it will inevitably give it to Bei Lie.

Mingchen couldn't help but exclaim, "They're really fast!"

He was arrogant and thought he had a pretty good relationship with Hong Ling Shuang. But Ming Chen and Hong Ling Shuang were just Ming Chen and Hong Ling Shuang.

No matter how close their relationship is, it doesn't mean that Qian Yuan and Jing Lan are in an alliance.

When it comes to dominating business, bad women really don't care about personal feelings at all!

"Who are the people sent by Beilie to guard the three passes?"

Xiao Xinyue shook her head: "The news hasn't come back yet, so I don't know either."

Mingchen lowered his eyes: "Let me check it out when I get back."

If possible, it would be best to regain control of the three checkpoints.

The overall war is a complex situation involving too many factors.

But these seemingly insignificant matters that make up a war can be the subject of some scheming.

Overt strategies and pressure are used to gain an advantage, while covert schemes and tricks are used to pursue trivial matters... These things are neither right nor wrong, as long as the goal is achieved.

Bei Lie probably won't start a war immediately, but will only send troops to control these three passes.

There is a possibility of manipulation here.

I just hope the general stationed there is a cracked egg, so I can find a way to poke it.

However, the ruler of Beilie was not an incompetent fool; he was a discerning judge of character.

I don't know if I'll be able to find an opportunity.

In an instant, a hundred thoughts raced through Mingchen's mind.

Xiao Xinyue kept asking, "Do you have a way?"

Mingchen shrugged: "No."

Everything is still unclear, so what solutions are there?
He's not a god.

"After this matter is over, quickly send a general north to recover the lost territory."

"We'll recover as much as we can."

"We can station troops in Xingyue City and build a fortress, which can barely hold off the Northern Fierce Cavalry."

"Try not to lose Yueyang."

Having lost three passes, the south is now all plains, where the valiant cavalry of the Northern Fierce Army can exert their greatest advantage, and Yueyang is already in great danger.

The wars of recent years have ravaged the North, leaving it with virtually no natural defenses.

But you still have to struggle.

Although the capital was not moved back, this place was, after all, the ancient capital of the Qian Yuan dynasty for five hundred years.

A ceremony to worship Heaven was just held in Yueyang, and the people's hearts are with the nation, indicating a promising future for the country.

Under such circumstances, if the Northern Army achieves a great success in its southward advance and captures Yueyang, it will deal a huge blow to the morale and political prestige of the Qian Yuan Dynasty.

Xiao Xinyue nodded seriously: "I know, that's what I think too."

Having spent so long developing her skills in the Southwest, she's now sitting at the card table, ready to play her cards.

What follows will be a drain on the nation's strength and a test for her as the ruler.

The southwest of Qian Yuan was well governed by her, and the people lived in peace and prosperity. However, the east, south, and north were devastated and beset by internal and external troubles, and the situation was not clear.

Only after overcoming this hurdle will she have the opportunity to realize her grand ambition.

As evening approached and the night deepened, the night grew even more profound.

Lanterns hung in the palace corridors, swaying in the wind, but there was no one there.

Xiao Xinyue suddenly realized that, without her noticing, she seemed to have spent all her time discussing official business again.

This has become a habit for her; bearing the weight of a nation, she also faces immense pressure.

Mingchen raised his hand and looked at the sky.

Today was actually quite tiring; I stood all day for the sacrificial ceremony.

He wanted to slip away.

Xiao Xinyue should also take a rest; staying up like this all the time will cause problems.

He looked up, just about to resign.

And just then.

"I'll be going back to Ji Qu in a few days."

Xiao Xinyue raised her head, moonlight scattering across her face, her bright eyes reflecting Mingchen's features. Her voice softened slightly: "I don't know when I'll be able to come here again! Why don't you stay and walk around with me, and talk to me?"

It's late now, so she can give herself back to Xiao Xinyue now.

Xiao Xinyue has many facets. When she was down on her luck, she was depressed and self-pitying. But then she rose up confidently and proudly, sitting on the throne, proud and noble, radiant and peerless.

Now, her heart was beating faster, her eyes were glistening with tears, and her cheeks were flushed, making her look charming and beautiful.

Only Mingchen could see this scene.

He paused for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."

The two walked side by side, and before they knew it, a cool night breeze blew in their faces, and under the moonlight, their shadows merged together.

Xiao Xinyue smiled unconsciously, and as if no one was around, she pulled Mingchen to stroll around the palace: "I used to live there. It was pretty good. It was very close to the imperial kitchen. I even stole some food there when I was a kid!"

“That used to be an open space. My elder brother used to take us there to play.”

"This is where you practice martial arts, and there's also a horse stable. Would you like to find a master here to teach you how to ride a horse sometime?"

"That's the school over there..."

The palace was deserted and almost empty.

Xiao Xinyue dismissed all the guards and maids, leaving only Mingchen and Xiao Xinyue.

Tomorrow is destined to be a huge pile of complicated tasks.

But now, Xiao Xinyue is holding Mingchen's hand, walking through every corner of the palace, talking to Mingchen incessantly.

Sharing her past memories, she introduced herself to Mingchen in a more profound way.

At this moment, she was Xiao Xinyue, and nothing more than Xiao Xinyue.

At this moment, she can be a carefree girl and do what she wants to do.

These past few years have brought about tremendous changes for her.

She spent twenty years here, a few years before that.

Although she became somewhat melancholic later on, compared to the many impoverished people of Qian Yuan, she was quite happy. She had many memories here, which she would chatter about with the person she loved.

A quiet night, a desolate palace.

The most esteemed emperor of the Qian Yuan dynasty and the Duke, who was second only to her, spoke of themselves in the palace like the most ordinary young men and women.

"Hahaha, I never would have guessed that someone as shrew as His Majesty would steal food!"

"I'm warning you, don't talk nonsense! I'm a very good rider, I was just letting you win."

"Didn't Your Majesty receive a beating from your teacher when you were a child?"

……

Mingchen is a good talker.

You can discuss business matters or personal matters.

He would also laugh and respond to Xiao Xinyue's words, teasing her and playing with her.

In fact, he actually preferred Xiao Xinyue in front of him, liking how she was a simple girl, rambling on about herself, her happiness, and her feelings.

Rather than matters concerning the nation and its people.

The road ahead will be full of new challenges, and tomorrow I will be buried in a lot of intelligence and orders.

But now, as the two joked and teased each other, Xiao Xinyue wore a bright smile, and a new treasure worth cherishing had been added to the depths of her memory.

Time flies, and it's getting later and later.

Mingchen never resigned, and Xiao Xinyue held his hand, unwilling for him to leave.

Before she knew it, she had wandered to her own place to rest and sleep.

Many things happened today, making it a special day for many people.

This was especially true for Xiao Xinyue...

He returned to the old capital, held a grand ceremony to worship Heaven, and issued a proclamation to the whole country, thus completing an important step in realizing his ideals.

Reward those who have made contributions and give an account to all the meritorious officials.

Golden scales leap through the heavenly gate, a sign of good fortune appearing in heaven and earth.

and also……

She raised her eyes, her gaze shifting, her bright pupils reflecting the image of the person before her.

Her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest, but she tried her best to keep her expression calm.

Even as an empress, she seemed to be losing control of her emotions at this moment, and simply said hesitantly, "The palace has not prepared any other beds."

"It's getting late, we should rest, or..."

"You can stay here."

She has given herself to the country during the day, to her bloodline, and to the responsibilities she bears.

The current Xiao Xinyue wants to return herself to herself.

The next moment, she was pulled into an embrace.

The light and shadow shifted before his eyes, and in the next instant, he fell onto the couch.

The special wooden hairpin fell to the ground. The woman propped herself up, her long hair cascading down her back. She raised her head, her eyes somewhat dazed as she looked at the person in front of her.

The ministers seemed to have forgotten that this wise and courageous emperor, who had saved the country and restored the Qian Yuan dynasty, was a woman.

She was still a very beautiful woman.

If she weren't the emperor, she could have bewitched the people of the world.

"His Majesty……"

"Will Chen be punished for deceiving the emperor today?"

"Humph~"

"Let's see how you perform!"

"Hmph, then I'd better make a good impression!"

“Mingchen…”

(End of this chapter)