Heaven is the shore of mortal dust

Chapter 141

Wei Zijun stepped forward, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. I am indeed the Khan."

"Should I address the Khan as Prince Feng, or as Khan?" It was a question that seemed both intentional and unintentional.

Wei Zijun said calmly, "Hasn't His Majesty already made a decision? However, I think it is more appropriate to address him as Prince Feng, since my Western Turkic Khaganate is now under the jurisdiction of Dayu. The title of Khan is also correct, since I am still the Khan of the Western Turkic Khaganate."

“Oh! But I prefer the title of Khan.” Tang Pang smiled.

"Your Majesty, please feel at ease."

"Khan, as the saying goes, one doesn't visit a temple without a reason. Today, the Khan himself has come. What is it about? It would be best to speak frankly." Tang Pang glanced at He Lu behind Wei Zijun.

“Your Majesty is wise. Wei Feng has come here for only one purpose: to join forces with Supi to attack Tubo.” She paused, and seeing that Tang Pangshi did not react, she continued, “Tubo has been waging war against our Turks for years, which has made my people hate us to the bone, and I am also extremely annoyed by it. Every time Tubo sends troops, they mobilize their forces in Supi, sending Supi’s warriors to the battlefield one by one to their deaths in the yellow sand. They also oppress the people of Supi. I believe Your Majesty has also reached the point of no return. If you and I join forces to attack them, and then each of us gets what we want, I think Supi will soon regain its national prestige.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Pang burst into laughter: "Truly, your reputation is well-deserved. I was already tempted the moment you mentioned it. However, Songtsen Gampo taught us farming techniques and guided irrigation. It is because of him that we are able to eat barley, wheat, buckwheat, and beans. Khan, how can I repay kindness with enmity?"

Wei Zijun smiled, “Your Majesty is mistaken. Supi was destroyed because of Songtsen Gampo’s invasion. What favor did he have over Supi? Moreover, Songtsen Gampo always used Supi as a tool for Tibetan expansion. Tibet repeatedly waged wars, and half of its military provisions and horses came from here. Under the guise of ‘Tibet’s nationwide support,’ it was actually exploitation. Your Majesty grew wheat, which was used as military rations; raised fine horses, which were used as warhorses; and raised brave young men, who were conscripted into the army. Since Your Majesty possesses these supplies and an army, and is willing to do all this for others, why not fight for your own honor?”

Seeing that Tang Pangshi's face was twitching slightly, Wei Zijun continued, "Barley, wheat, buckwheat, beans? Does Your Majesty see the current living conditions of my Turkic herdsmen? Almost no one eats that hard-to-swallow barley. If Your Majesty cooperates with my Western Turks, it is tantamount to cooperating with my Dayu. At that time, you can have whatever you want: weaving, silkworm breeding, silk reeling, construction, papermaking, brewing, pottery making, milling, calendrical calculation, medicine, and even the manufacture of agricultural tools. Why should you be subservient to others?"

"Haha..." Tang Pang laughed loudly, "The Khan is indeed a straightforward man, with sharp words that have won me over. Give me a day to consider, and I will surely give the Khan an answer."

Wei Zijun smiled faintly, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty. If Your Majesty agrees to cooperate, you should also thank yourself, because you have chosen a bright path for yourself."

Tang Pang laughed again and ordered her servants to prepare a banquet right there. "Khan, come sit next to me. It's tiring to talk from such a distance."

"In that case, Your Majesty, I'm sorry to have troubled you." Wei Zijun thanked him and sat down.

After sitting down, Wei Zijun regretted it somewhat.

Tang Pang first took her hand in a friendly manner, and then began to roughly ravage it. "Haha, Khan, back when you were still the wise king, I, Gong Sheng, fell in love with you the moment I saw you. No wonder, you are indeed very handsome. The closer you get, the more charming you become."

Wei Zijun asked with some confusion, "When did this Khan ever meet your princess?"

"She was the deputy envoy who went to propose marriage with Zangarsunbo two years ago, haha..." Tang Pang seemed very happy.

Wei Zijun suddenly realized what was going on and couldn't help but smile, "Is the princess alright?"

Tang Pang sighed softly, "She was forcibly taken by Songtsen Gampo."

Wei Zijun frowned. She hadn't expected Songtsen Gampo to be such a ruthless person. However, with Gongsheng in his hands, it would be difficult to make Tang Pang rebel.

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Note: ① Four Seas. The Four Seas here do not refer to the East Sea, West Sea, South Sea, and North Sea as they were in ancient times. Rather, they refer to the four barbarian lands outside the Central Plains. The Erya (释地) states: "Nine Yi, eight Di, seven Rong, and six Man are called the Four Seas." Within the seas is China, and beyond the Four Seas are the Four Wildernesses and the Four Extremes.

Volume 3, Dayu Chapter 128: Sleeping Together

In less than fifteen minutes, the banquet was set up.

Tang Pang glanced at Wei Zijun. "The Khan looks so worried. Is he afraid that I won't agree to your conditions because I'm afraid the princess will be taken hostage?"

Wei Zijun nodded. "Your Majesty is exceptionally wise."

"Khan, don't flatter me. Do you think I don't know? Everyone is outwardly respectful, but inwardly they despise me." Tang Pang turned her head to look at her, her smile as bright as a flower. "Actually, I'm not stupid, and I'm not without talent. I just have a bit of a fondness for beautiful women, so I neglect some state affairs. You can call me a womanizer... but old habits die hard..." After saying that, she squeezed Wei Zijun's hand angrily.

Wei Zijun trembled inwardly. This Supi was a matriarchal country where women were valued more than men. Was she trying to harass her?

Sure enough, Tang Pang's behavior became increasingly outrageous. She pressed her face against Wei Zijun's, laughing lightly, "Khan, if you are willing to be my Jinju, I can immediately agree to your conditions."

Wei Zijun was so shocked that her mouth dropped open. She thought the woman was just being physically inappropriate, but she never expected her to go so far as to ask her to be her man.

When Tang Pang saw her slightly parted red lips, she was immediately captivated and her eyes glazed over. She whispered, "A man like the Khan is my favorite type. I am probably twice your age, so I will definitely cherish you."

Wei Zijun composed herself, wondering if she was joking. She was the Khan of a nation; how could she possibly become someone else's husband? If this Tang Pang was of sound mind, she would never make such a ridiculous request; she was probably just joking.

Thinking of this, Wei Zijun relaxed and looked at Tang Pangshi and said, "Your Majesty is incomparably beautiful. It's not that Wei Feng is unwilling, but that Wei Feng is not fortunate enough to have such a good fortune. Your Majesty can send someone to Khotan to inquire and you will find out that everyone knows that I am impotent."

Hearing this, He Lu chuckled to himself. Impotent? What man would be as open about such a disease as she is?

Echoing Helu's thoughts, Tang Pang asked doubtfully, "What man would publicly announce such a serious ailment? Khan, isn't this just an excuse?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun coughed lightly. "I dare not deceive Your Majesty. Your Majesty can inquire in Khotan. If it were false, how could it have spread so widely?" She lowered her eyelashes slightly. "In truth, what man would be willing to embarrass himself like this? I have already lost all face, and I am quite accepting of such matters. I only ask that Your Majesty not use this as a bargaining chip, but rather consider the future of the Supi kingdom. I promise Your Majesty that as long as we form an alliance, after the war, I will definitely have a large number of handsome and fair-skinned men selected by Dayu to present to Your Majesty."

"But will he be as beautiful and fair-skinned as you?" Tang Pang stared intently at Wei Zijun's face, then seemed to remember something and frowned. "Why is it all in the future? Where is the Khan's sincerity? Every envoy who comes brings gifts. Since the Khan has no gifts, he may stay and keep me company for one night. As for whether he can have sex, that doesn't matter."

Wei Zijun was startled upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty... I'd like to recommend a handsome man to you!" Wei Zijun said eagerly, her long finger pointing quickly to the person below, "He... he... isn't he handsome? He's more handsome than me."

He Lu, sitting next to her, was furious. This woman had betrayed him to protect herself. He was so angry that he pinched her buttocks hard.

Wei Zijun shuddered in pain, too ashamed to utter a sound.

Upon hearing this, Tang Pang chuckled, glanced at He Lu, and nudged Wei Zijun, "Then let's go with him. You say he's handsome, and I think he's handsome too. Although he's not my type, he's more handsome than all the men I've ever had. And his skin is so good." Tang Pang reached past Wei Zijun and touched He Lu's face. He Lu turned his head away in disgust, "So smooth. All my thousand-plus beauties combined aren't as handsome as him. He's the one. I'll take him. Let's try something new."

Wei Zijun nodded gracefully with a smile, "Very well. Very well. In that case, let's discuss the matter of sending troops immediately." As soon as she finished speaking, another sharp pain shot through her buttocks. He Lu, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid I'll disappoint Your Majesty's kindness. Since things have come to this, He Lu has no choice but to speak. I really cannot let my pride tarnish Your Majesty's reputation." He glanced at the two surprised faces and continued, "I have contracted syphilis."

Tang Pang looked at He Lu with a strange expression.

"Ah!?" Wei Zijun exclaimed in surprise, "Was it dyed at Hua Man Lou in Dayu that day?"

He Lu was taken aback. "How did you know?"

Wei Zijun frowned. "Ever since Hua Manlou came back, you've always had a foul odor coming from you. But where is it coming from?"

He Lu's lips twitched. "Is it really that bad? I've consulted many famous doctors, but it's getting worse."

Wei Zijun kicked He Lu, "Then why aren't you getting out of here? You're defiling the King's Palace."

He Lu turned and staggered out.

"Are you mocking me?" Tang Pangshi's smile had long since faded, her face now icy.

Wei Zijun looked up at Tang Pangshi; she was indeed not stupid.

"This was not Wei Feng's intention. Wei Feng truly had no intention of teasing, but please forgive me, Your Majesty. I'm sure Your Majesty understands that we are all fighting for the country, each fulfilling our duties and bearing the weight of national affairs. How could we possibly indulge in pleasure by Your Majesty's side while abandoning our people and the world!" It's clear that this is a smart woman, so perhaps honesty is the best way.

"Are you saying that I only know how to indulge in pleasure and don't care about the livelihood of my people?" Tang Pang squinted her big eyes.

"I dare not. Wei Feng is only qualified to speak for himself. Others dare not comment. But if Wei Feng were in the position of king, he would definitely swear to trample Tibet underfoot. Whatever they gave him, he would return to them in full. He would stand tall between heaven and earth. At that time, no matter how much I crave beauty, others would still look at me with admiration."

These words, forceful and resounding, carried an extreme destructive power. Perhaps he had been numb for too long, or perhaps he had been in a state of despair for too long, but he was suddenly awakened by a sharp arrow. The dripping blood and the pain brought him clarity. Tang Pang stared at Wei Zijun for a long time, then stood up. "Khan, go and rest." Then she turned and slowly walked away, her long sleeves trailing behind her. Her figure in the candlelight was lonely and heavy.

Back in her room, Wei Zijun breathed a sigh of relief, wondering if her provocation had worked. It seemed she had come to her senses.

Just as he was about to rest after a quick bath, He Lu rushed in, ignoring the maids' attempts to stop him.

Upon seeing Wei Zijun, he stared at her for a long time before walking to the table and sitting down without saying a word, as if he were sulking.

After a long silence, he said with a hurt expression, "So, in order for the alliance to succeed, you're going to give me away as a gift?" His voice was low and hoarse, lacking its usual elegance.

Wei Zijun hadn't expected him to take it seriously; she must have hurt his feelings. "This... didn't we end up not being able to deliver it?" As soon as she said it, she regretted it, realizing she shouldn't have said it that way, and quickly added, "Um... didn't I lie for you?"

"Don't you really care if I'm with other women?" He lowered his eyes, truly heartbroken.

Wei Zijun was speechless. This was truly inexplicable. He had taken it seriously, and she couldn't explain herself even if she had a reason. After all, she had done it anyway.

"Sigh, why are you taking this so seriously? I only said that because I know you hate women and I know you'll refuse. You wouldn't actually let her take advantage of you, would you? Besides, I saw she was serious, so I helped you, didn't I?"

"You didn't. After she got serious, you said 'Okay! Okay!'" He Lu accused angrily.

"Th-th-this...th-this...that's what I said?" She blinked her innocent eyes.

He Lu looked up abruptly in anger, only to be met with her mocking smile.

Wei Zijun chuckled and hooked her arm around his neck from behind. "Alright, don't be angry. How was I supposed to know that this would make you angry? I won't do it again, okay?" She looked down at him.

He Lu turned around and hugged her waist, "Make it up to me."

"How should I compensate you?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’ll sleep here tonight.” He looked up at her.

“No.” He raised his chin.

He remained silent and did not persist.

After a long pause, he said sullenly, "He also touched my face."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun laughed loudly, "If she really agrees to our request, what's wrong with touching her face? Consider it a sacrifice for the country. When our army returns in triumph, I will erect a monument for you, so that the world will admire and worship you, and let everyone know that you contributed your face to the campaign against Tibet." She spoke with great passion.

Enraged, He Lu grabbed her arm and bit her, causing Wei Zijun to cry out in pain.

"Does it hurt?" He gently stroked the skin where she had been bitten, then leaned down and kissed her. After a while, he whispered, "Go to sleep."

"Okay, I'll see you out." Wei Zijun pulled her arm away from his grasp.

"No need, I'll wait until you fall asleep before I leave. You can go upstairs." He Lu gestured with his chin toward the bed.

"No, that's not necessary. How can I fall asleep with you here?"

He Lu pushed her to the side of the bed and began to undress her.

"He Lu, there's no need for this," Wei Zijun said, somewhat embarrassed.

He Lu persistently removed her outer robe, then laid her down on the couch and pulled the brocade quilt over her.

Wei Zijun stared wide-eyed as he did all this.

"Go to sleep." He tucked her in.

Wei Zijun closed her eyes helplessly. After a while, soft, even breathing could be heard.

He Lu leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, then lightly touched her closed eyes, and finally pecked her lips twice. His large hand gently stroked her cheek, so gently that he was afraid of waking her.

He slowly got up and walked outside.

"He Lu—" Before she even reached the door, Wei Zijun's voice rang out from behind her.

He turned around.

Wei Zijun lifted the blanket to look at him, "Come and sleep here."

"Is it really possible?" His voice trembled.

“What can I do? It’s just sleeping. I’m afraid you’ll be lonely by yourself.” Wei Zijun curled her lips into a mischievous smile. “Didn’t you say you’ve been ‘lonely and empty by your pillow’ ever since?”

He Lu blushed, feeling somewhat shy. He took off his outer robe, slipped under the covers, pressed his soft body against hers, and held her tightly.

Wei Zijun's eyes welled up with tears; perhaps she should accept his pure and beautiful feelings.