You Tong smiled and temporarily put the letter away, then turned to look at Qin Liangyu.
Even after that fleeting, inexplicable encounter, the gentleman, as gentle as ever, remained as mild-mannered as before.
Like a pebble thrown into the center of a lake, after the ripples subside, the lake returns to calm.
He stood up and bowed again to You Tong, who was about to become empress. He opened his mouth, but then remembered that Qin Jiu was not beside him, so he subconsciously looked at Du Shuangxi. The two met in the countryside and shared similar interests. Du Shuangxi was gentle yet resilient and quite perceptive. Although she was not as good as Qin Jiu, she could understand about 80% of his meaning.
After a brief eye contact, Du Shuangxi chuckled softly.
"The Qin family has a new baby boy, but we haven't had time to report the news to the capital yet. Young Master Qin came to the capital this time to visit a famous doctor, and he was also entrusted by our son-in-law to personally tell the child's uncle the good news. Since they were going the same way, they came together."
You Tong smiled and nodded, "Perfect. He'll be back for lunch at noon, so I can tell him the good news then."
—I wonder how this person plans to tell Fu Yu the good news without Du Shuangxi and Qin Jiu.
The scene of two men staring at each other, talking about their nephew and niece, must have been quite amusing.
You Tong suppressed a smile as she imagined that scenario.
Qin Liangyu seemed to know what she was laughing about, and shook her head helplessly.
Du Shuangxi then explained, "Qin Jiu is outside, but he didn't dare to disturb Your Highness." After saying that, she couldn't help but glance at Qin Liangyu with a smile. Although they came from very different backgrounds, their eyes were as familiar as those of old friends.
You Tong sat across from him drinking tea and felt that the two of them were quite in sync.
...
Fu Yu's coronation ceremony was scheduled for the ninth day of the month.
The day before the grand ceremony, the emperor's imperial robes and the empress's phoenix crown were ready. You Tong and Fu Yu also bathed and burned incense, awaiting the ceremony the next day. That night, Fu Yu was unusually restrained. Although he held her in his arms, he didn't make much noise, and the two went to bed early.
But You Tong couldn't sleep soundly.
After tomorrow, once she is officially appointed Empress, she will have to move into the palace and assume a different identity.
When she decided to marry Fu Yu, she had imagined that such a day would come, a day that was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Now that the day had arrived, her dreams were filled with images of the emperor and empress's robes, the palace halls, and even distant memories of the palace.
I'm sometimes dreaming, sometimes waking; my heart feels like it's suspended in mid-air, drifting like a tumbleweed.
When I woke up from my dream again, all was quiet outside, not even the sound of a clapper could be heard. I had no idea what time it was.
The bright moonlight shone through the window in the latter half of the night, adding some light to the dim bed.
You Tong rolled over, her eyes still open but not sleepy, then turned back to Fu Yu's chest, nestled against him. The familiar masculine scent, the firm, strong, half-naked chest bearing an old battlefield scar. Her hand rested on his waist, feeling the tight, bulging muscles of his abdomen. Even as he was about to ascend the throne, he still habitually held her as they slept, one arm under her head, the other around her back, a sleeping embrace they never tired of.
Whether she was initially attracted by his looks or gradually fell for his character and temperament, You Tong knew that she loved the man before her and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
But the thought of standing shoulder to shoulder with him at the top of the world still made her nervous.
With her mind in turmoil, You Tong looked up and stared blankly at his silhouette in the dim moonlight.
His long, soft breath fell on her cheek. As she looked at him, his eyelashes trembled slightly, and his brows twitched.
You Tong felt that he was probably about to wake up, so she quickly closed her eyes.
After a moment of silence, just before she was about to peek through a crack in her eye, she heard Fu Yu's deep, slightly hoarse voice, as if he had just woken up, "Stop pretending, I know you're spying on me."
"..." You Tong stubbornly replied, "Who was spying?"
With a muffled chuckle, Fu Yu didn't expose her, but instead tightened his embrace and nuzzled her hair, "Can't you sleep?"
"Hmm," You Tong replied listlessly. After a moment, seeing that he didn't intend to continue sleeping, she simply turned over and sat up, propping herself up on her elbows and looking down at her.
Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, and her cross-collar nightgown was slightly open, revealing the snow-white spring light beneath.
Fu Yu reached out and hooked his arm around her neck, his fingertips gently stroking her cheek. "Something on your mind?"
His voice, deep and languid, was different from his usual cold and stern tone when he woke up in the middle of the night. You Tong looked down at him, and after a moment, leaned down and pressed her face against his chest. "I'm just a little scared, afraid that the burden on my shoulders is too heavy. To be the empress of the world sounds noble and glorious, but in reality, it carries an immense weight. I'm naturally carefree, and I'm afraid... I can't bear it. The phoenix crown looks precious with its pearls and jade, but it's actually very heavy, and it will make my neck hurt."
Fu Yu's lips twitched slightly; even in the night after waking from a dream, his smile carried a gentle warmth.
"Whether it's being the empress or the heavy phoenix crown, these are just rules and regulations for outsiders to see. You don't need to care about them. You are my wife, just like the young mistress of Nanlou. You can do whatever you like without worrying about these things."
"I'm afraid... I won't be able to help you enough, to share your burdens."
Fu Yu smiled and stroked her back. "I'm capable of handling state affairs. There are generals on the battlefield and strategists for all matters, big and small. There are plenty of capable people in the world, more than enough for me to use. How do you want to share my burdens? Will you help me deal with those old foxes in the court, or will you, like that Miss He, lead troops into battle?"
That's unnecessary. Interference in politics by the empress dowager is taboo, and with the abilities of the Fu family father and son, there's no need for her to interfere.
At most, he would only help push the women when he could exert force on them.
Having spent several months navigating the capital, she still possessed a certain skill in dealing with women.
Thinking this, You Tong felt a little relieved, and then heard Fu Yu say, "The first time I married you, it was because of my father's arrangement to seize the Wei family's territory. At that time, I didn't have anyone I liked and had no expectations for the marriage. But this time, I am sincere and have no ulterior motives."
The embrace was warm, and I pressed my ear against his chest, hearing his heartbeat.
You Tong's agitation and tension gradually subsided. She nestled against his chest and finally asked, "The previous dynasty didn't require my help, but what about the harem?"
"The harem is just like a private household. You are the mistress of the house, and you still want to slack off?"
"Hmm, to be a virtuous mistress, managing your harem?" The voice was low and soft, with a hint of bitterness.
Fu Yu's usually thick-skinned nerves finally sharpened, and he understood the source of her anxiety as she tossed and turned in the middle of the night. In the dim light of the bed curtains, he looked at her and gradually smiled, "Before I married you, many people wanted to send their daughters to the Fu family. After the divorce and moving to the capital, countless people came to our door, but did I even give them a second glance?"
Life is both long and short; a young man in his prime can quickly become a gray-haired old man.
Aside from the tedious and burdensome official duties, the precious moments can only be devoted to one person.
And she was the place he was searching for.
Fu Yu rolled over, trapping her beneath him and gazing at her intently. "I'm just afraid you'll feel constrained and regret marrying me."
You Tong shook her head, "I have never regretted this marriage."
...
The enthronement ceremony was conducted solemnly and dignifiedly.
After Zheng Biao's bandit army retreated like a receding tide, the palace underwent some repairs. Entering through Danfeng Gate, the Hanyuan Hall, Xuanzheng Hall, and Linde Hall are magnificent and imposing, with jade steps and railings, vermilion-lacquered pillars, and the gold-inlaid doors and windows shining brightly in the slightly dazzling sunlight. The intricate brackets intertwine upwards, and the eaves are grand yet light, like wings soaring into the sky.
Fu Yu was dressed in a royal robe with exquisite and intricate patterns, featuring the sun and moon shining brightly, stars sparkling, as well as dragons coiling around mountains and auspicious insects.
Beside him was You Tong, dressed in an empress's crown.
At fifteen, she became a wife, and after many twists and turns, the once charming and graceful young woman is now pregnant and exudes a captivating charm. Her pregnancy is not yet apparent, her figure remains as slender as ever, having blossomed rapidly since their wedding night, like a half-opened peony in full bloom, tall and full-figured. Crimson robes trail gracefully as she ascends the jade steps, her makeup exquisite beneath her phoenix crown, her brows like distant mountains, her eyes like spring waves, serene, composed, and dignified.
The civil and military officials, dressed in formal attire, knelt down as the family of three ascended the palace.
The young and valiant emperor possessed both outstanding military achievements and skillful governance.
Xu Kui had a large force guarding the outside, while Fu Deming led his officials in shouting "Long live the Emperor!"
Standing atop the towering palace, Fu Yu's gaze swept over the golden halls and jade steps, the majestic city walls, his imposing aura of supreme authority seemingly innate. The court was newly established, and much needed rebuilding; the people, long suffering under corrupt officials, yearned for a peaceful and enlightened reign. Fu Yu thus changed the dynasty name to Liang, the era name to Xingping, honored Fu Deqing as the Retired Emperor, his grandmother as the Grand Empress Dowager, posthumously honored his mother, Lady Tian, as Empress Dowager, and made Lady Wei, You Tong, Empress. The six palaces were rendered ineffective, and he favored only one woman.
Following this, royal titles were bestowed and meritorious officials were rewarded.
The new dynasty had just been established, and its atmosphere was vibrant. After the people finished kneeling and paying homage to the emperor and empress outside Danfeng Gate, they couldn't help but sigh inwardly—
When Wei Youtong was abandoned by Prince Rui and suffered the scorn of the entire city, everyone said that fate was predetermined, and she was not destined to marry into the royal family. Even with the favor and expectations of Emperor Wenchang, it was all in vain. Who would have thought that in just a few years, two former emperors would die, and amidst the chaos of war, the court would be completely transformed. The girl who had been forced to marry far away to Qizhou, bearing all the infamy, would actually become Empress, a phoenix descending from the phoenix tree.
With all the officials in attendance, Wei Sidao, who had become the emperor's father-in-law, did not become complacent or arrogant because of his daughter's high position.
Whether he was favored by Emperor Wenchang, neglected by Emperor Xiping, betrayed by Xu Chaozong, or respected by Fu Yu, he remained the same boring and strict man he always was, guarding his small territory in the Ministry of War's Bureau of Military Affairs, dealing with thousands of volumes and managing the trivial matters of maps and beacon towers.
That was the culmination of his life's work, unrelated to honor or disgrace.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, King Wei Jian of Xiping was furious upon learning of this.
Defeated and routed, unable to withstand the attack, Wei Jian could not get a share of the spoils in the capital. He could only watch helplessly as the world fell into the hands of the Fu family. How could he willingly submit? The Dingjun Army was strong and well-equipped, and had the advantage of terrain. Even if they did not have the ability to send troops to the capital to seize the world for the time being, they were not necessarily inferior to the Fu family in terms of defending their territory.
Wei Jian had dreamed of becoming emperor for over a decade. Although he had accomplished nothing, he was still ambitious. How could he possibly submit to the emperor?
He then claimed that the Wei family was granted the title of prince by Emperor Wenchang, thus asserting his legitimacy, ascending the throne, and denouncing the Fu family as usurpers.
Regardless of what happens in the future, seizing the opportunity to become emperor at least allows him to experience the thrill of being an emperor.
Chapter 127 Internal Strife
Since the scramble to serve the emperor in June, only to have their plans thwarted by the Fu family, Wei Jian has been quite frustrated for the past six months.
In the previous two fierce battles, they first lost two generals, Zhou Wei and Li Sheng, at Changwu Pass, and then suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Fu Yu and his son outside the capital. Two of their capable veterans died and two were seriously injured. Their once mighty arm was immediately broken in half.
During these months, Xu Kui led his troops to defend the capital. When Fu Yuteng took over the administration, Wei Jian tried to launch a counterattack, but all his efforts failed.
The Fu family, with its elite troops and numerous fierce generals, quickly incorporated the original garrison after capturing the capital, greatly strengthening their forces. Their thousand valiant cavalrymen, swift as lightning, were a fearsome sight, patrolling the area near the Wei family's territory like tigers and leopards. Such a defensive line was already difficult to breach, not to mention the ever-watchful Zhao Yanzhi nearby.
On that day, Wei Tianze led his troops back and although he recovered the captured city, he was unable to completely wipe out the enemy due to limited manpower.
Fu Zhang came from a military family. Although he was not as gifted as Wei Tianze, he was personally trained by the Fu brothers and was not much inferior. Zhu Xun was a fierce general that Fu Yu had specially risked his life to find. Although he did not have Wei Tianze's strategic thinking, he was a good commander. Not to mention Zhao Yanzhi, who had been guarding Jingzhou for many years and was extremely difficult to deal with.
Although the three were driven out of Dingjun's territory by Wei Tianze, they were all unharmed. Every time Wei Jian wanted to raise troops to attack Fu Yu, they would seize the opportunity to strike, causing Wei Jian a great deal of trouble.
This stalemate continued for nearly half a year, and Wei Jian's army still couldn't get even a step closer to the capital.
In a fit of anger, he simply declared himself emperor.
Compared to the grand scale of Fu Yu's ascension to the throne in the capital, Wei Jian's actions were merely a pretext for establishing himself as emperor.
However, this move still caused quite a stir in the area around Dingjun.
Regardless of the plight of the common people, the Wei residence alone was much more lively than before.
—In order to make his claim to the throne look legitimate, Wei Jian not only hastily established a small court with his officials, but also planned to establish an Eastern Palace.
Wei Conggong was the eldest son of the legitimate wife and had been heavily cultivated by Wei Jianqi for many years, originally the only candidate for crown prince. However, he suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Fu Yu in the Battle of Changwu Pass last year and has yet to achieve any merit to redeem himself. In addition, several veteran generals who originally supported him have been lost in the two battles, which has also greatly reduced his power.
In contrast, Wei Tianze's victory over Zhao Yanzhi and the recapture of the city, coupled with his previous defeats, greatly enhanced his reputation. Moreover, he had his father-in-law, Jiang Shao, as his powerful backer.
For the long term, considering ability and methods, he should be made Crown Prince.
Wei Jian, however, remained hesitant.
—After more than a decade of separation, Wei Tianze was, in his heart, a pawn casually placed, a sharp sword honed by the Fu family, but with little fatherly affection. Moreover, although Wei Tianze was his son, many of his ideas differed greatly from his own, like a thorn stuck in his heart, making him uncomfortable no matter how he thought about it.
Wei Conggong saw this as an opportunity and, with the intention of securing internal stability before resisting external threats, vigorously spread the word.
That evening, Wei Jian summoned his sons to discuss matters. When the arrogant and successful Fu Yu was mentioned, Wei Conggong secretly resented, "If we had been able to get rid of this man when Tianze was in Qizhou, how could things have turned out like this today?"
“Yes, the Fu family didn’t suspect anything back then, so this shouldn’t have been difficult,” Wei Congxiu agreed.
—After Wei Tianze appeared out of nowhere and took away the marriage with the Jiang family, he quickly joined Wei Conggong's forces.
Wei Jian, recalling this incident, was secretly annoyed. He glanced at Wei Tianze and complained, "I instructed you several times to find an opportunity to eliminate him. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes; even if he died, the Fu family wouldn't suspect you. But you wouldn't listen and insisted on bringing him back!"