Die Kampfsportwelt ist ein Sumpf

Kapitel 146

In April of the fourth year of the Jiande era of the Dayu Kingdom, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo reached an agreement with Emperor Li Tianqi of the Dayu Kingdom. Tibet would become a vassal state of the Western Turks, pay tribute annually, and its self-supplied army could not exceed 50,000. The surrounding cities that had already been conquered would be incorporated into the territory of the Western Turks.

Thus ended a brutal and heroic battle that lasted a year. Dayu finally incorporated the Eastern and Western Turks and Tibet into its territory, and a centralized feudal empire with unprecedented power and vast territory was born.

On the day the agreement was reached, Helu and Li Tianqi stared intently at Songtsen Gampo and asked, "Where is the Western Turkic Khan?"

Songtsen Gampo replied indifferently, "She is dead."

In the fourth year of the Wude era of the Dayu Kingdom, the Year of the Horse in the Western Turkic Khaganate, in June, Ashina Helu, the Left General of the Dayu Kingdom and the successor to Yipi Shekui Khan, became the Khan of the Western Turkic Khaganate, and was historically known as Shabolo Khan.

In June, the Western Turkic Khaganate is covered in boundless green grass, eagles soar in the sky, and the tender green grasslands exude a fresh fragrance. In the past, on such a vast grassland and under such a beautiful blue sky, there would always be that graceful and dashing figure. She would ride her golden white horse and gallop across the land. Her exquisite figure, set against the tender green grassland, was like the most beautiful painting in the world. Her unrestrained and free-spirited figure always captivated him.

Now, only emptiness and desolation remain in this world, and that figure only appears in dreams.

The royal court's tent remained as luxurious as ever, but the figure of Qinghua, so graceful and refined, was no longer on the Khan's throne. Helu slowly ascended the throne. He had once coveted this position, but ever since that other person sat on it, he had never considered it again. She was so perfectly suited for it; no one could surpass her, and never would. Now, he had been thrust into this position, but he did not want to sit on it, for it belonged to her. He would protect the Western Turks for her. He remembered her words whispered in his ear: "Protect the Western Turks well." Once he captured Gongsong Gongzan and avenged her, he would go to find her.

He gently stroked the armrest of the sweat bench, then touched the backrest she often leaned against. He slowly knelt down and lay down on the bench, where she used to sit. It seemed to still hold her warmth. Back then, she always sat here so languidly and casually, so elegant and spirited...

He slowly stood up, sat in a newly set-up seat next to the Khan's throne, and looked at the assembled officials.

"Khan, why don't you sit on the Khan's throne? Please sit back on the Khan's throne. This is the seat of power. Only when you sit there can you issue orders," said Basegantun Shaboschin.

“She’s sitting there,” He Lu said softly. Perhaps some people understood what he meant, and perhaps some did not, but he could not sit down.

That seat is her seat; only she deserves to sit there. Perhaps she's sitting there right now, watching everyone. If he sits there, where will she sit?

"Khan, there's no sign of Gongsong Gongzan anywhere in the entire Potala Palace. We've even inquired in India and Nepal, but it seems he's vanished." Geshufa led his men to search all over Tibet, but they couldn't find any trace of Gongsong Gongzan.

"Keep searching, even if it means digging three feet into the ground, I will find him." Mentioning Gongsong Gongzan, Helu's face instantly turned icy. The ministers realized that Helu, who used to be incredibly gentle in front of their Khan, seemingly devoid of any self, had reverted to his initial coldness since that man left, devoid of any warmth.

After dismissing his ministers and leaving the tent, Helu went to accompany Tesaru again. Every day, besides governing the country, he spent his time with Tesaru.

Since Wei Zijun left, Tesa Lu had not eaten or drunk anything for more than ten days. When it was almost on the verge of death, it suddenly started eating. It seemed to have sensed something and ate desperately, as if it wanted to eat its fill before seeing its master. It seemed to want to fatten itself up so that its owner would not despise its thin frame and abandon it.

He Lu picked up a brush and groomed Tesa Lu's fur. Tesa Lu took two steps back. "Look at you, she's spoiled you. You don't even want to talk to me anymore, do you?" He Lu stroked its smooth fur, hugged Tesa Lu's neck, and didn't move. After a long time, wet liquid rolled down Tesa Lu's fur.

During this time, he didn't do much, except ride Tesaru to Khotan. He went to the palace where she had once stayed, to see the bed she had slept on. There, he kissed her, and she even sucked on his finger. Thinking of her adorable sleeping face, he smiled. He looked up at the ceiling; the hole had been patched up. He thought about how his love had begun at that moment, from the moment he recklessly pressed himself against her, and how it had grown stronger and stronger, more and more... more and more...

He went to the wilderness between Zhujubo and Shule City, where he became her man.

Look at all these wild grasses covering the footprints from back then. Why can't I find it? It seems like this was the place, but which tent was it? He searched for a long time, until evening, when he saw an iron pot left behind during the march. He smiled; this was it. Then, he found a bronze mirror. It was hers. Among all the soldiers, only she used this thing. He had seen her use it secretly, and when he caught her, he had even mocked her. In anger, she threw the bronze mirror out of the tent. It fell into the deep snow. He secretly retrieved it that night and put it in his tent, but he lost it when they broke camp.

He finally found it. He sat down gently and lay down slowly on the cool grass in the night. "Feng—let me hug you one more time. Last time, I didn't hug you enough." He took out the handkerchief he had treasured for a long time from his pocket. There were a few dried bloodstains on it. He gently opened it and covered his face. "Feng—your scent still seems to be there."

I've never dared to tell you I love you, I've never said it to you face to face, I'm too afraid. But today I have no more reservations, I'm no longer afraid of your rejection.

"Wind—I love you—"

You never knew how deep my feelings were, you never knew, because I had always been enduring.

A gust of wind swept by, carrying away his soft murmur, which drifted away on the night breeze into the distance...

......

In Lucheng, June was already scorching hot. The small shop selling iced drinks was still the same as it had been four years ago, still with its blue cloth awning, unchanged. Only, there was one less person by its side.

Li Tianqi walked into the blue cloth tent and ordered two bowls of cold noodles. "Zijun, this bowl is yours. Don't eat too much, or you'll get a stomachache."

After eating the cold noodles, he went to Juyunlou, where business was still booming. He stood across from it for a long time, gazing at the window on the third floor.

He saw Duan Xin; the child had grown up, tall and handsome. They still didn't know anything about her. He hesitated for a moment, then turned and left.

"Second Brother—" Just as he turned around, he heard her call, that long-lost call.

He turned around in surprise, but all he saw was the noisy flow of carriages and people. No one was coming or going from the Juyun Tower across the street, and the third-floor window remained tightly shut. Where was she?

"Second brother, even if I am your enemy, I will not harm you." The promise she made at that window four years ago echoed in my ears.

Tears blurred his vision. Yes, Ziju, you never broke your promise, you never let your second brother down, it was always your second brother who let you down... Tears streamed down his face, and he covered his face as he ran away...

He went alone to the wild lotus pond. The awning boat was still there. He remembered that year, that day, her radiant smile in the setting sun, and the poem she recited...

He lay down on the straw mat where she had slept that year. He remembered how awkward she was when she slept with him in Lucheng. He couldn't help but laugh. He didn't know she was a woman back then, and he had no sense of propriety. He hugged her without warning and even crawled into her blanket. No wonder she was scared and kept hiding.

He picked up the Juyun Wine that he had ordered from Juyunlou and gulped down two large mouthfuls.

"I remember that year in Lucheng, in the bustling city, when I first saw your face."

The grass is green, the smoke is gentle, and the wind is soft; hand in hand, our hearts know each other's hearts.

Gazing at each other amidst the winds and snow of the northern frontier, parting brings tears that dampen the thousand-mile barrier.

Who could have foreseen that life and death would separate us, and that my white hair would grow as long as grass?

......

In June of the fourth year of the Jiande era of the Dayu Dynasty, Emperor Li Tianqi of Dayu secretly dismissed the harem.

He still lived alone in Chongde Hall, but occasionally he would visit Lianwu, because Lianwu was sick. Her already frail body had developed asthma, and recently she had caught a cold, and she was so ill that she couldn't get out of bed. She coughed weakly every day.

Whenever Lianwu showed signs of serious illness, Xinhe would anxiously rush to Chongde Hall to find Li Tianqi. Each time, she would see him calling out "Zijun—" to the empty chair where Wei Zijun often sat.

That deep affection moved Xinhe deeply. Gazing at his white hair and his still handsome yet gaunt face, a soft spot softened in her heart. Over the years, seeing him—his handsome and refined demeanor, his tall and strong physique—had not failed to capture her heart. However, her heart had always been occupied by that person, the one she had first fallen in love with. Even after learning she was a woman, that feeling seemed to have taken deep root. Now, his expression touched her. He had actually disbanded his harem for someone who was already gone, and remained chaste for a promise. This deeply affectionate man shattered her preconceived notions about men, and made her feel even more pity for him. He, like her, had suffered a tragic fate.

He made her want to cherish a man, but that man only had one person in his heart, and no one else could enter his heart.

Every day after the morning court session, Li Tianqi would ride in a carriage to the General's Mansion and knock on Wei Zijun's door. Ji An would say with tears in his eyes, "Your Majesty, Her Highness is still not awake."

Li Tianqi turned around and smiled, "Still so fond of it." Then he left, leaving everyone in the mansion with tears in their eyes.

He returned to Chongde Hall and, as always, offered her the main seat behind the dragon throne. He sat down beside her, opened a memorial, and looked at the empty dragon throne. "Zijun, why aren't you here yet? You've been sleeping in again. Look, Goryeo is causing trouble again, and why aren't you doing anything about it? You little lazy pig, you always oversleep. You're so lazy..." He choked up, "So lazy... you've been sleeping until now."

Tai Zhong, standing beside him, was in tears. "Your Majesty, please accept my condolences. The Wind King is gone. You are responsible for the entire nation. Please take care of your health."

Li Tianqi shook his head, and after a long while, stood up.

He then drove to the General's Mansion.

Her room remained unchanged. He gently stroked every item she had ever used, touched the clothes she had worn, and stroked them over and over again, his gaze tender and gentle. "Zijun—" he called softly.

Every day, he would come here to think of her; he missed her.

"Second brother, even if I am your enemy, I will not hurt you."

"I...I don't have that much money."

"Brother Li...do you admire me?"

"Behave yourself, or I'll strip you naked."

"Even murder is nothing more than this, Boyuan, please spare me, it's really... disgusting."

"Li Tianqi—just kill me."

"Second brother, this is all I have for you..."

"Second brother, I won't go with you this time, but I'll go with you next time."

"I'll follow you after you've crushed Tibet."

Next time, there really was no next time... You said next time, you said you would crush Tibet... Zijun, Tibet has already been crushed, will you come with me? If you don't come with me, I will go with you.

"When will you come back? If you don't come, I'll go, I'll go with you." He stroked the bed she had slept on, lay down on it, and covered her with her robe. In an instant, large wet stains appeared on the robe...

In the seventh month of the fourth year of the Jiande era of the Dayu Dynasty, the only wife of the Emperor of Dayu, the Imperial Noble Consort Meng.

That day, Li Tianqi did not cry. He whispered to her, "Lianwu, you are finally free and happy. But I still have to struggle in this sea of suffering. I am sorry for you because there is only her in my heart. I only hope to repay you in the next life. But in the next life, we will not be husband and wife. In the next life, be my daughter. I will cherish you and raise you well."

In the fourth year of the Jiande era of the Dayu Kingdom, in August, Emperor Li Tianqi of Dayu proclaimed to the world the appointment of an empress. The choice of empress was something no one could have imagined; it was none other than Wei Feng, the rumored King of Dayu, who was said to have already died.

As soon as the imperial edict was issued, the opposition from the court officials nearly burst through the roof of the Taiji Hall.

"Your Majesty, you disregard the advice of your ministers and dismiss the harem, yet you insist on making a man your empress. This is against propriety!" The ministers' voices of opposition rose in unison.

"Laws are made by people. In ancient times there were female rulers, and there should also be male empresses. Emperor Ai of Han wanted to give the empire to Dong Xian, and Emperor Wen of Chen wanted to make Han Zigao his empress. Their intentions were clear. Unfortunately, neither of them succeeded. Today, I will be the first person in history to do so. My ministers, do not try to dissuade me. My mind is made up." He did not reveal Wei Zijun's gender. She was so concerned about her reputation that she would be mortified if she were exposed in public. Therefore, he kept her secret for her.

Thus, the first male empress in Chinese history was born. Unfortunately, this glorious history, the dynasty that first incorporated Tibet and the Turks into the Chinese territory, was buried in the long river of history.

Time flies, and the world changes. A thousand years later, who still remembers the clash of swords and the blood-soaked yellow sand of 1,400 years ago? Who knows that there was once a woman and two men who joined hands on the battlefield, fought side by side, disregarded life and death, trampled on flesh and blood, and unified the Great Yu land from among thousands of skulls?

Volume 4 Where Does Love Belong? Chapter 134 Training

In August, the mountains and fields of Tibet are ablaze with vibrant Gesang flowers. The azure sky is crystal clear, and the majestic Potala Palace stands out even more against the backdrop of the blue sky. The snow-white walls of the Baima Grass Wall are bright and flat, prayer flags flutter atop the enormous gilded banners, and eagles circle overhead above the vast palace complex. Inside all the palaces, murals are painted, and the walls are covered with various bas-reliefs, each with its own unique style and theme.

At the Lokhang, high above the Potala Palace, stand three enormous bronze mandalas, enshrining the Three Buddhas of Tantric Buddhism. Beneath these mandalas lies a secluded palace, a small and cozy place with windows that let in plenty of sunlight, narrow yet magnificent corridors, and beyond which lies a lush garden.

From the windows of this small palace, one can overlook the scenery outside. However, people outside cannot find this palace, as it is nestled in a mezzanine high up within the Potala Palace.

The morning sunlight streamed in through the open window, illuminating a slender, fair hand that appeared as if it were a translucent, exquisite jade carving.

That clear, bright face remains the same, those vibrant red lips remain the same.

Gongsong Gongzan gazed intently at Wei Zijun's sleeping face, then reached out and stroked it. "When will you wake up?"

He lowered his head and kissed her lips. Perhaps only at this moment, when she had shed her rebellious air, could he have the chance to be close to her. Perhaps it would be better if she remained asleep, but he wanted to see her alive and well. He closed his eyes, his kiss becoming increasingly passionate, unaware that her long eyelashes were trembling gently.

The dream was long; she was constantly trekking through it, exhausted, exhausted, amidst a jumble of dreams. She wanted to wake up, but couldn't.

This time, she dreamed of He Lu, her second brother, and Te Sa Lu. He Lu was crying while hugging Te Sa Lu's neck. She stood to the side, feeling a pang of heartache. She wanted to go over and comfort him, but she could never reach him. She heard He Lu whisper, "After I avenge you, I'll come find you." She felt anxious but couldn't stop him. She was so anxious that fine sweat beaded on her forehead.

Then she dreamt that she returned to the General's Mansion, back to her room, only to see her second brother weeping there. He held her clothes, choking back tears, "You lazy little pig, you always oversleep, you're so lazy... you've been sleeping until now." Yes, she realized it herself; she had been sleeping, but couldn't wake up. Her second brother said, "If you don't come back, I'll go with you." She anxiously moved forward, but couldn't get close, nor could she speak.

Seeing two men about to end their lives for her, she was frantic. She wanted to scream, but felt something blocking her lips; she couldn't open them. She felt suffocated, struggling to breathe. In her panic, she forced her eyes open, and suddenly, a blinding light flooded in, blinding her. She quickly closed her eyes again. Then, she realized something was wrong. Just moments before, there seemed to be a shadow in front of her, and her lips felt burning. Now, it felt as if someone was sucking on her lips… She abruptly opened her eyes again, her eyelashes fluttering. She saw a face pressed against hers, vigorously sucking on her lips. Instantly, she nearly vomited blood in anger, yet felt utterly powerless.

Because the face was too close, and she couldn't adjust to the bright light, she couldn't see who it was. Seeing that the person showed no sign of stopping, and having no strength left, she groaned in protest.

The man, caught up in the kiss, suddenly stopped upon hearing her moan. He opened his eyes, saw her suddenly open eyes, stared blankly for a moment, and then abruptly got up and fled in a panic.

The moment he stood up, she saw his face clearly; it was Gongsong Gongzan. His reaction truly surprised her. Perhaps it was because a dignified Tibetan prince had stolen a kiss from someone while they were unconscious, which was a blow to his pride, and he didn't know how to face her, so he fled.

But she dreamt of him? Why would she dream of that person kissing her? After her eyes adjusted to the light, she woke up.

Wei Zijun finally understood: she had woken up!

In August in Tibet, the sun was blazing. The midday sun shone into this secluded place, enveloping the man by the window in a halo of light.

I thought he'd lost face and wouldn't come for at least a few days, but to my surprise, he came the very next day. Not only did he come, but he also started rambling on and on.

"He has made you his queen." Gongsong Gongzan, who was standing by the window, slowly turned around and watched the person there elegantly raising his chopsticks, eating and drinking as if no one else was around.

His words had a deterrent effect. Her hand stopped, she slightly raised her eyelashes, then lowered her eyes again and continued eating.