A lowly soldier becomes king, I slaughter my way through the late Tang Dynasty!

"Li Rui, who is famous throughout Bianliang?"

"The same Li Yulong who, to repay the emperor's kindness on the Golden Terrace, helped Yulong to die for him?"

Yu Xiao and Man'er exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with a hint of surprise.

No girl doesn't love a hero.

Even if they were daughters of disgraced officials or lowly geishas.

They also felt a touch of envy towards the legendary Jade Dragon General.

however.

Qingluan, lying on the bed, suddenly trembled violently!

Li Rui!

She had heard this name more than once.

Yesterday, the emperor was so enraged by Li Rui's achievements in suppressing the bandits that he flew into a rage!

They then tied her up and whipped her severely with willow branches.

To satisfy their perverse desires.

It's all Li Rui's fault!

Hatred flashed in Qingluan's eyes.

He hated the famous Jade Dragon General of Bianliang with a vengeance!

Even though it's obvious to any normal person.

The root cause of Shi Chonggui's beating of her lies in Shi Chonggui's own abnormal psychology.

Li Rui's matter was, at most, just a trigger.

But Qingluan didn't care about any of that.

In her view, the emperor, being the supreme ruler, could not possibly be wrong!

The only one who's wrong is Li Rui!

Qingluan gritted her teeth, noticing that both Yuxiao and Man'er seemed to have a certain longing for Li Rui.

He couldn't help but snort coldly.

"He's just a roughneck from a border town. General Jade Dragon? He doesn't deserve such a title. He's probably just an illiterate bumpkin!"

Hearing her say that, Yu Xiao couldn't help but speak.

"Qingluan, don't say that. Li Rui can recite the famous poem 'I will die for my lord with the help of Yulong,' so he must be literate."

Man'er nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, I've heard many of my sisters say that Li Rui is indeed like a jade dragon, with a face as beautiful as jade and a hidden dragon in the sky."

Upon hearing this...

Qingluan clenched her teeth even tighter and cursed angrily.

"So what? He's just a notorious soldier who became famous by some twist of fate! When he sees His Majesty, he still has to bend over and kowtow, doesn't he?"

Her appearance frightened Man'er so much that he dared not utter a sound.

Yu Xiao's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Knowing that this sister had been summoned by the emperor multiple times, she already felt a sense of superiority.

It was as if she had been deflowered by the emperor and immediately became a concubine.

but.

If the emperor truly loved her, why did he whip her into such a state?

Why, after so many days, has she not even been given the title of palace maid, and is still working as a courtesan in the Yichun Courtyard?

Yu Xiao pursed her lips.

The three of them had grown up together since childhood and couldn't stand Qingluan's self-deception.

But I was just about to offer some advice.

Seeing Qingluan's eyes, blinded by fame and fortune, Yuxiao gave up on trying to persuade her.

"You should take good care of your injury."

Yu Xiao sighed and walked away with small steps.

Man'er looked heartbroken, seemingly unable to understand her former best friend with whom she had depended on each other for survival.

Why has she become like this after only a few visits to the palace?

After hesitating for a moment, Man'er covered her eyes and left.

Upon seeing this.

Qingluan opened her mouth, feeling a pang of pain in her heart.

But soon.

Qingluan's eyes hardened, and she gritted her teeth.

"My beauty is unparalleled in the world. His Majesty has already fallen for me and will soon bestow upon me the title of Imperial Concubine!"

If I were to go any further, I would be the sovereign and mother of all my subjects, I would be the empress of the nation!

Speaking of it.

Qingluan's expression gradually turned frantic; she clenched her fists, her eyes filled with longing.

"By then, everyone will have to bow and kowtow to me, and as for a nobody like Li Rui, he won't even be worthy of licking my feet!"

……

Yichun Inner Courtyard.

Amidst the artificial mountains and waters, there lies a fairy terrace.

Yaotai is surrounded by flowing water, swaying willow branches, and fragrant flowers.

Many pavilions and elegant buildings were built around the area for guests to drink and make merry.

Following Li Yin, Li Rui and Zhao Kuangyin also sat down in a small building.

Looking around, one could see many high-ranking officials and dignitaries dressed in red and purple, chatting and laughing while holding wine glasses.

Women of all kinds were embraced in the men's arms, and they kept giggling as the men teased them.

Beside the Jade Terrace, various musical instruments were displayed on both sides, playing extravagant music.

The music was mingled with women's soft moans, men's loud laughter, and the clinking of glasses.

How delightful!

Li Yin looked very pleased, raising his glass to a few people he knew, and then embracing Shu Jiao and teasing her relentlessly.

Zhao Kuangyin swallowed hard, feeling a certain longing, but he dared not act rashly.

But it was Li Rui.

Seeing this scene of extravagance and hedonism, I silently shook my head.

Just then.

A soft laugh came from the doorway.

"Why do you shake your head, young master? Is it perhaps that this scenery does not suit your taste?"

Everyone turned around.

Li Yin was overjoyed.

"Oh my, Mr. Li is here."

The newcomer was a small old man, dressed in plain clothes, and unremarkable.

However, his true identity has already been revealed by Li Yin.

This person was none other than Li Song, one of the prime ministers of the current dynasty.

The important person Li Yin mentioned earlier is this Minister Li.

Li Rui bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Greetings, Lord Li."

Li Song may look thin and frail, but he is an important figure in stabilizing the country.

Together with Privy Councilor Sang Weihan, he maintained the operation of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Without those two, the Later Jin dynasty wouldn't have been able to achieve a great victory over the Khitan, let alone have the resources to wage war against them.

What is the most important thing in war?

Money and provisions!

There were no two prime ministers to manage state affairs.

What do the soldiers on the front lines eat? What do they use? Where do their pay come from?

and so.

Li Rui has a deep and genuine respect for such a person.

to be frank.

Li Rui even considered knocking Li Song unconscious with a stick!

Then he was brought to his own territory, made his prime minister, and put in charge of logistics.

Li Song, of course, had no idea of ​​the 'terrifying' thoughts in Li Rui's mind.

He kindly reached out and pressed down Li Rui's arm as he bowed.

After looking Li Rui up and down, Li Song smiled with satisfaction.

"Hmm~ As expected of Li Yulong, who is famous throughout Hebei. He lives up to his name, with a face like jade and a hidden dragon."

Li Rui shook his head.

"Please don't tease me, Mr. Li. I don't know how this title spread."

Li Song stroked his beard and said with a smile.

"You really don't know?"

Li Rui thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"All I know is that someone is helping me. He deliberately spread rumors that I am 'loyal to the emperor and serve the country' to build momentum for me, and even gave me the nickname Li Yulong."

The goal should be to win popular support over me, using that support to influence the emperor and prevent His Majesty from punishing me for disobeying the imperial decree.

Upon hearing this, Li Song was startled!

He looked at Li Rui with even more admiration, and shook his head with a tsk-tsk.

"I never would have guessed! You're so young, yet you've seen through all this!"

As he spoke, he looked at Li Yin.

"Could it be that you taught them?"

Li Yin looked completely bewildered!

In fact, he hadn't yet recovered from Li Rui's remarks.

"Me? I just found out that this nickname has such a deep meaning!"

Li Song laughed heartily and patted Li Rui on the shoulder.

"Does the young man know who is behind your support?"

The words had barely left his mouth when Li Rui was interrupted.

Suddenly, fireworks exploded on the central Jade Terrace!

Two stunningly beautiful young women gracefully entered the arena.

One person sits upright, while another dances.

Li Rui glanced at it and was immediately surprised.

This capital city is truly teeming with beautiful women!

The surrounding guests' eyes lit up, and they cheered one after another.

"good!!"

"It's the Barbarian Girl, and the Jade Flute Girl!"

"Huh? Where's Qingluan?"

"Hey! Qingluan has served the Emperor in the palace, why would she come out here to perform for you and me?"

As the two young women ascended the Jade Terrace, the surrounding guests applauded.

Li Song stopped the previous topic and pointed at the two stunningly beautiful girls.

He raised an eyebrow at Li Rui and said with a smile.

"Young master, since this is your first time in Bianliang, you should visit Yichun Courtyard to see the romance and beauty of Bianliang!"

It will absolutely be a feast for your eyes!