I, a useless prince, started with the Xiang Yu template.

The next morning.

As dawn broke, the morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, casting a thin layer of light into the new house.

A faint fragrance lingered in the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Chu Yun was the first to wake up.

I slept soundly through the night and felt refreshed.

He opened his eyes, his gaze slowly falling to the soft bedding and the beautiful woman sleeping peacefully beside him.

A slender, fair leg casually draped over his waist.

They slept soundly, completely unguarded, in a languid posture.

Last night was a grand wedding night, a beautiful evening with red candles burning.

The two were married for the first time.

Chu Yun was young and vigorous, with a strong physique.

Ultimately, it took a lot of effort on her.

Li Wanqing, standing beside him, frowned slightly, her long eyelashes drooping.

She was breathing evenly, sleeping soundly, with a faint blush still lingering on her face.

Her skin was fair and radiant, but she looked tired.

Chu Yun quietly turned her head to look at her.

The scene from last night involuntarily flashed through my mind.

Red candles flicker, a beautiful woman in red.

The girl went from being reserved and shy to gradually becoming compliant.

Her soft, pleading voices still echoed clearly in my ears.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and a faint heat rose in his heart.

They are full of vigor and vitality, and are in their prime.

With a beauty in one's arms, who could remain unmoved?

Chu Yun suppressed the restlessness in his heart.

Reason still prevails.

She was exhausted from last night's activities.

No more fooling around so early in the morning.

We shouldn't bully her too much.

Chu Yun moved extremely quietly.

Carefully and slowly, he moved away her jade-like legs that were draped over him.

Get ready to get out of bed.

But it was this slight movement.

The woman on the bed trembled her eyelashes and slowly opened her eyes.

A pair of clear, watery eyes, still carrying the dazed look of someone just waking up.

He was not fully conscious yet.

Seeing that Chu Yun was about to get up, she subconsciously tried to sit up, supporting herself on the blankets.

As soon as I moved, a sharp, aching pain shot through my lower back.

Her brows furrowed sharply, and she let out a soft hiss involuntarily.

"Ouch...it hurts."

Chu Yun paused, then turned to look at her.

"Don't move."

"You should stay in bed and rest today."

"Don't go anywhere."

Li Wanqing lay on her back, a blush rising on her fair cheeks.

Thinking back on everything that happened last night, my ears turned bright red.

She bit her lip and muttered softly, her tone both shy and helpless.

"You...how are you so amazing?"

"Like a cow..."

Her voice was barely audible, and she was too shy to look up at him.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yun chuckled softly.

He leaned closer, his tone slightly teasing and joking.

"My husband is young and healthy."

"Besides, how could I not be strong when faced with a beautiful wife?"

Li Wanqing's cheeks flushed even more, and she gently pushed him away.

His eyes were filled with helplessness.

"I really can't stand you anymore."

"Your Highness, you are too strong."

She lowered her eyes and spoke softly and earnestly.

"From now on... you should take two more concubines."

Last night's ordeal was truly unforgettable.

She had been pampered since childhood and had never experienced such hardship.

The physique of the man described in the book is far inferior to that of the real Chu Yun.

Powerful, domineering, and energetic.

Even now, my body still feels weak and sore.

The memory of last night filled her with lingering fear.

Chu Yun looked at her shy yet earnest expression.

He chuckled and gently tucked the blanket around her.

"No rush."

"Having you is enough."

Chu Yun stood up, dressed in a dark inner robe, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and an upright posture.

The sunlight fell on him, highlighting his strong and distinct features.

He glanced back at the stunningly beautiful woman on the bed, who was blushing shyly.

"I'm going to the front yard to handle some official business."

"Just lie still. Tell the servants to bring you whatever you want to eat."

Li Wanqing nodded gently, watching his tall and neat back.

My feelings are complicated.

There was shyness, and also a hint of inexplicable peace of mind.

This man.

The battlefield is a place of bloodshed and brutality.

In private, however, she is gentle and considerate.

Know how to restrain yourself, know how to cherish.

.......

afternoon.

The sun was setting, and the sunlight was gentle.

The west side hall of the Qin Prince's Mansion.

This side hall is simple and solemn, with only four wooden tables and two rows of chairs.

There were guards at the entrance of the palace, and unauthorized people were not allowed to approach.

now.

Four people are sitting upright in the seats on either side below.

The four people are of different ages and have distinct personalities.

The first one was nearly forty years old, with a calm expression, and wearing a blue official robe.

This man was named Su Zhe. He came from a collateral branch of the Li family and served as a local official for many years.

He is proficient in civil affairs, household registration, and grain and fodder allocation, and is steady and reliable in his work.

The second person was around thirty-five years old, slender, and had sharp eyes.

His name was Gao Bing. He was skilled in criminal law, and his judgments were strict and his methods were tough.

They specialize in dealing with corrupt officials and are most adept at reforming the local officialdom.

The third man was a middle-aged strong man with broad shoulders, a robust physique, and a resolute face.

His name was Zhou Meng. Although he was not a military general, he was knowledgeable about local security and city defense patrols.

He has been suppressing local bandits for many years, acting decisively and swiftly.

The fourth person is the youngest, just over thirty.

He was fair-skinned and refined, with a strong scholarly air; his name was Wenyan.

Skilled in fiscal accounting, tax coordination, and planning for people's livelihood development.

He is meticulous and his calculations are watertight.

All four were carefully selected by Li Ziwei from the Li family clan and in-laws.

They belong to the Li family by blood, bound by blood ties and interests.

They are loyal enough, come from clean families, and have no complicated factional entanglements in the imperial court.

I will not betray you, I will not turn against you.

Chu Yun sat in the main seat of the grand master's chair.

He tapped the armrest lightly with his fingertips, his gaze calmly sweeping over the four people below.

He knew that the biggest difficulty in going to Beiliang was not fighting.

Rather, it was the officialdom.

The officials of Northern Liang were deeply entrenched and corrupt.

The old officials could not be used, nor dared to be used.

Without a group of their own people to take over civil affairs, even if they hold military power, they are just empty forces.

To completely control Northern Liang, the military and the government must be separated.

He commanded the military, while his trusted confidants controlled the government.

Time is running out, and the departure date from Beijing is drawing ever closer.

In just a few days, it would be incredibly difficult to select a group of reliable, loyal, and capable people.

The four people sent by my mother were just right.

They come from reliable families and have complementary skills.

It perfectly matches the four types of talent that Beiliang currently lacks most.

Chu Yun was very satisfied.

He withdrew his gaze, and without further pleasantries, got straight to the point.

"I've summoned you here today to speak frankly."

All four men stood upright, heads bowed, their expressions respectful.

"Three days from now, I will depart for Beiliang to assume my fiefdom."

"The officialdom of Northern Liang was corrupt, the officials were incompetent, and the local factions were intricate and complex."

"All local officials of Northern Liang have been suspended from their duties for investigation."

"The four of you will come with me north."

"Take over key positions in Northern Liang."

These words were spoken.

The four people below paused slightly, their eyes flashing with shock.

Chu Yun continued to give instructions, his words clear and logical.

"Su Zhe".

"You are appointed as the governor of Beiliang, in charge of the overall management of the people's livelihood, land, displaced people, and food supplies in the prefecture."

"Gao Bing."

"As the Prefectural Assistant, you are in charge of criminal justice, investigating corruption, rectifying officialdom, and purging corrupt officials."

"Zhou Meng".

"You are in charge of city defense and security, patrolling passes and suppressing bandits and troublemakers within the territory."

"Speak gently."

"You will take over the county treasury and manage taxation, accounting, land reclamation, and commerce."

The four men were startled and quickly bowed in respect.

"Yes, sir!"

Chu Yun's gaze sharpened, and his tone became more forceful.

"Remember this sentence."

Within the Northern Liang, military and political affairs were separated.

"The military power and command of troops shall be solely controlled by me."

"Civil affairs are entirely entrusted to the four of you."

"Except for military power."

"The Northern Liang government offices, the appointment and removal of officials, the implementation of laws, and financial expenditures."

"The four of you should discuss and decide for yourselves."

"I have only one request."

"To overthrow the old order in the shortest possible time."

"Purge out stubborn old officials and replace lower-level personnel."

"Take firm control of the officialdom in Northern Liang."