As soon as she finished speaking, a small figure appeared like the wind. Little Taiping surveyed the surroundings with an air of authority, then winked at Wan'er, as if to say, "You dare refuse?" Wan'er found it somewhat amusing, "Granted."
“Your Majesty, you must not.” An elderly minister stepped forward. “Your Highness the Crown Prince is still young. How can he lead troops into battle? Although Your Highness is a child prodigy and will surely achieve great things in the future, at present… I urge Your Majesty to reconsider.”
Wan'er frowned slightly and looked at the speaker. He had a weathered face and was clearly old. Wan'er pondered for a moment, then realized that this old man was a true descendant of the Hundred Flowers Kingdom.
Wan'er nodded slightly. "What Minister Qi says makes sense. However..." Wan'er looked at Little Princess Taiping. "However, I hope that Princess Taiping can compete with all of you in the court. If Princess Taiping wins, then she can lead the troops into battle, how about that?" Little Princess Taiping's lips curled into a frown. Your mother is really ruthless. "Alright." Wan'er then looked at Minister Qi. "Minister Qi, what do you think?" Minister Qi reached out and stroked his white beard. "Alright."
And so, the one-year-old Princess Taiping battled against all the civil and military officials—the scene was truly magnificent. Years later, the people still praised it. But that's another story.
Little Taiping's small eyes darted around slightly as she said, "I think we can use strategy to conquer the city, that is, not to rely solely on force, but to use various means to make the enemy surrender. Let's take the small city of Ziye Kingdom first." Minister Qi nodded slightly, signaling Little Taiping to continue.
Little Taiping hummed pretentiously and said, “There are six types of terrain: passable, hanging, branch, narrow, dangerous, and remote. Areas that we can go to and that the enemy can come to are called passable. In passable areas, we should seize the high and sunny places first and keep the supply lines open. This will be advantageous in battle against the enemy.”
Qi Aiqing suddenly became interested and asked, "Then what if we occupy a favorable position?" Wan'er, perched on the phoenix-shaped chariot, seemed indifferent, leisurely sipping the tea offered to her by the man in black. (Even with eunuchs in the palace, Wan'er was more comfortable being cared for by Zi Ye and the man in black.)
Xiao Taiping glanced furtively at Wan'er, then said, "A region where advance is possible but retreat is difficult is called a 'hanging' (挂). In a hanging-shaped region, if the enemy is unprepared, a surprise attack is necessary to defeat them; if the enemy is prepared, and our attack fails, retreat will be difficult, which is disadvantageous to us. Places where neither our attack nor the enemy's attack is advantageous are called 'branch' (支). In branch-shaped areas, even if the enemy tries to lure us with benefits, we should not attack; it is best to lead our troops in a feigned retreat, luring the enemy halfway forward, then launch a sudden attack. This way, we have..." Advantages. In narrow passes, if we occupy them first, we should heavily fortify the passes and await the enemy's attack; if the enemy has already occupied the passes and heavily fortified them, then we should not advance; if the enemy has not heavily fortified the passes, then we should swiftly capture them. In dangerous terrain, if we occupy them first, we should occupy high, sunny positions to ambush the enemy; if the enemy has already occupied them, then we should retreat and not attack. In distant terrain, where both sides are evenly matched, it is not advisable to challenge them; forcing a battle will be disadvantageous to us.
"Clap clap clap." A round of applause erupted in the court. Little Taiping proudly raised her head. What's wrong with you ancient people? I can easily subdue you with a modern copy of Sun Tzu's Art of War.
Qi Aiqing was clearly somewhat dissatisfied and said, "What if it's not as you described above?"
Little Taiping pouted unhappily and said, “The general’s rules of warfare are that when a general receives the king’s orders, he should recruit soldiers and form an army. He should not stop on ‘broken ground’, he should make friends with the feudal lords on ‘crossroads’, he should not stay on ‘dead ground’, he should use clever tricks when he encounters ‘besieged ground’, and he should fight to the death when he is trapped in ‘dead ground’.”
“Some roads are not suitable for passage, some enemy forces are not suitable for attack, some cities are not suitable for conquest, and some places are not suitable for fighting. If something does not conform to the above-mentioned ‘Nine Changes,’ even if it is the king’s order, it can be disobeyed. Therefore…” Little Taiping looked at Qi Aiqing, who was dumbfounded and whose eyes were shining, staring at Little Taiping as if he had discovered a treasure.
Little Taiping chuckled inwardly and continued, "Therefore, generals who understand the benefits of the Nine Transformations know how to use troops; generals who don't understand the benefits of the Nine Transformations, even if they know the terrain, cannot gain the advantage of the terrain. Commanding troops without knowing various methods of maneuvering, even if they know the 'Five Advantages,' cannot fully utilize the army's combat power."
Little Taiping walked to Wan'er's side, picked up the tea from the black-clad man's cup and drank it, then said, "Therefore, wise generals always consider both the advantages and disadvantages when considering a problem. If the disadvantages are taken into account when things are favorable, things can proceed smoothly; if the advantages are taken into account when things are unfavorable, disasters can be avoided."
This time, Minister Qi was completely convinced: "Your Highness, truly a hero emerges from among the young! I submit."
Wan'er looked at her daughter with amusement; she was so clever and mischievous. "Alright, now that Minister Qi has agreed, does anyone else have any objections?" None of the civil and military officials stepped forward.
Wan'er nodded in satisfaction and said, "In that case, Taiping will lead the troops into battle." (Oh, right, Xiaobing forgot to mention, there are also ministers from Nansang Kingdom among them. They've taken the king, they can't abandon the country, right? They might as well take it.)
The Gathering of Handsome Men, Chapter Sixty-Nine: Phoenix Seal
Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Phoenix Seal The sky was still clear and the fresh air made Wan'er feel much better. She looked around, closed her eyes, and inhaled the fragrance everywhere. Suddenly, the dream from before flashed into her mind.
Wan'er bent over, breathing heavily. A bead of sweat dripped down her cheek. Why did the image of Zi Yeyu Xun keep flashing through her mind, along with everything he had suffered? It all felt so real.
Yu Xun, are you alright? Although I hate your heartlessness back then, I can't entirely blame you. It was my own stubbornness that prevented you from seeing my face, from telling you that I am Leng Mei. I didn't tell you I was carrying your child. Ha, how ironic, it turns out it was all my own doing.
A tear welled up and wet Wan'er's stunningly beautiful face.
In the distance, Wanluo still wore a blue robe. His long black hair was casually draped over his shoulders. His androgynous face and his eyes of different colors spoke of his seductive beauty.
Wanluo slowly approached Wan'er and asked, "Are you off court?" Wan'er's body stiffened slightly as she replied, "Yes." She didn't dare turn around, afraid that Wanluo would see her tears. Wanluo sighed softly and reached out to hug Wan'er, saying, "Missing him? If you want to cry, then cry. There's no need to hide it."
Wan'er was slightly taken aback, hugged Wanluo tightly, and her thin body trembled slightly as she said, "Is it too late to understand now?" Wanluo reached out and patted Wan'er's back softly, saying, "It's not too late, it's not too late at all. Just bring him back and make it up to him."
Wan'er raised her little face and looked at Wanluo. Her phoenix eyes, red and swollen from crying, blinked and she asked, "Why do I become a little woman whenever I meet you?" Wanluo chuckled and gently pinched Wan'er's nose, saying, "It's because of the different positions." Wan'er nodded knowingly.
Wan'er's adorable appearance caused Wan Luo's androgynous face to flush slightly, and she let out a soft hum. Just as she was about to release Wan'er, Wan'er hugged her tightly, saying, "Since that's the case, this time I'll act like a strong woman." With that, Wan'er raised her delicate eyebrows and kissed Wan Luo's slightly parted lips. She extended her exquisite tongue and entwined it with Wan Luo's warm tongue.
Wanluo mumbled incoherently, "Wan'er, are you going to take me right here and now?" A smile flashed in Wan'er's alluring eyes. "Not a bad idea, let's do it." She then proactively removed Wanluo's clothes. In this fragrant sea of flowers, the two experienced their first time ever (hehe, it was Wan'er and Wanluo's first time).
Inside the palace of the Purple Night Kingdom, Liu Yun sat on a dragon throne, holding a teacup in her hand. She gently blew on it without saying a word.
Below the main hall, Bing Haiyixuan's once rosy and handsome face was now as pale as a sheet of paper. His frail figure looked as if a gust of wind could topple him. "I have done what you asked me to do. Who is my mother?" Liu Yun laughed heartily, put down his teacup, and said, "Not bad, you did a great job, but I still can't tell you who your mother is."
Binghai Yixuan was slightly taken aback, then roared, "What do you mean?" Liu Yun said indifferently, "Oh dear, don't be angry. I didn't say I wouldn't tell you. I just think becoming emperor is quite simple." Binghai Yixuan glared at Liu Yun and said, "State your conditions."
Liu Yun smiled exaggeratedly, "Go and kill the Empress Binghai Wan'er of the Hundred Flowers Kingdom, and then I'll consider whether to tell you who your mother is." "You..." Binghai Yixuan clenched her fists tightly and turned to leave.
Behind him came Liu Yun's loud laughter.
"Something terrible has happened!" A young eunuch rushed in, scrambling and stumbling. Liu Yun frowned slightly, clearly displeased. "Speak."
The little eunuch was startled and stammered, "The Hundred Flowers Kingdom is attacking my Purple Night Kingdom! They've already captured a small border town of Purple Night Kingdom!" (So fast! My goodness, Little Princess, you truly are a child prodigy!) Liu Yun was furious and, without even pausing for the little eunuch, strode towards the inner palace.
Inside the Moon Palace, Lan Qiao'er, dressed in ordinary clothes, sat by her dressing table, gazing at her reflection in the mirror and sighing softly. She reached for a white silk cloth beside the table, examining it intently for a long time. A tear slid down her cheek.
Lan Qiao'er stood on the stool that had been moved there beforehand, draped the white silk over the beam, and tied it securely. She closed her eyes, letting the tears stream down her face. "Yu Xun, I'm sorry, I'm leaving now. Actually, I've always had a little secret, which is that you have an older brother, but his whereabouts are still unknown. I've secretly sent many experts to search for him, but to no avail."
Lan Qiao'er stuck her head inside the white silk. "Let this secret disappear forever." With a push of her small feet, she knocked the stool off its feet. Lan Qiao'er struggled weakly.
"Bang!" The door was kicked open, and Liu Yun stormed in, dumbfounded by what he saw. He hurriedly ran over and took Lan Qiao'er off the white silk. "Qiao'er, what foolish thing are you doing?"
A series of coughs rang out. Lan Qiao'er weakly opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Liu Yun. She felt disgusted and pointed a trembling finger at Liu Yun, "Get out! Get out of here! Even if I die, you won't let me have any peace."
Liu Yun hugged Lan Qiao'er tightly, and slowly Lan Qiao'er calmed down. Lost in Liu Yun's arms, Lan Qiao'er was gently laid down, and Liu Yun tenderly stroked her face. "Qiao'er, eighteen years... we've been separated for eighteen years. Don't you have any feelings for me now?"
"Father, may Yao'er come in?" Liu Qinyao's voice came from outside the door. Liu Yun was a little impatient; how did she find her way here? "What is it?"
?
"I have something important to report," Liu Qinyao's voice came softly.
Liu Yun covered Lan Qiao'er with the blanket. She stood up and sat down at the table. "Come in."
"Squeak." The door opened. Liu Qinyao walked in gracefully, carrying a golden wooden box in her hands.
Liu Qinyao raised her charming face and looked at Lan Bao'er lying on the bed, a flash of resentment crossing her eyes. It was so fast it seemed like an illusion.
Liu Qinyao smiled and looked at Liu Yun with deep affection. "Father, this is the Phoenix Seal that Yao'er found in the Cold Palace."
Liu Yun was slightly taken aback, then quickly stepped forward, took the golden wooden box from Liu Qinyao's hand, opened it, and smiled, "Good, it really is the Phoenix Seal. Where did you find it?"
Liu Qinyao smiled charmingly, "Yao'er, I went to the inner palace and thought that the Phoenix Seal was such an important thing that Lan Qiao'er would definitely not be without it. So I took a stroll around the Cold Palace and saw the Phoenix Seal by chance." Liu Yun's face turned cold and he said in a cold voice, "I'm afraid it's not that simple."
Liu Qinyao was taken aback, then feigned composure and asked, "Father, what do you mean?" Liu Qinyao looked at Liu Qinyao with venom and then laughed loudly, "It's alright, you may leave." Liu Qinyao breathed a slight sigh of relief, "Yao'er takes her leave."
A Gathering of Handsome Men, Chapter Seventy: Little Taiping's Well-Intentioned Lie
Chapter Seventy of "Gathering of Handsome Men": Little Taiping's Well-Intentioned Lies. After Liu Qinyao left, Liu Yun narrowed his eyes dangerously as he watched her retreating figure. This woman was truly ruthless.
Liu Yun closed the door and turned back to look at Lan Qiao'er with deep affection. "Qiao'er, despite your many precautions, the Phoenix Seal still ended up in my hands. Even the heavens are on my side."
Excited and trembling, Liu Yun walked to Lan Qiao'er's bedside, bent down and kissed Lan Qiao'er's forehead, then turned and left.
Magnificent and resplendent, huh. Truly extravagant, yet the hall is utterly empty. Liu Yun, his face grim, strode to the table and pulled out a golden cloth hidden beneath it. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be an imperial edict.
Liu Yun carefully opened the imperial edict and placed it flat on the table. He took out the golden wooden box from his bosom, opened it, and then took out the phoenix seal from the box, stamping it on the edict. Liu Yun was overjoyed, holding the edict with obvious affection. His old face trembled slightly with excitement. "Guards!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a young eunuch rushed in, asking, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
Liu Yun carefully put away the phoenix seal and said, "Immediately summon all the ministers. The late emperor has passed away. By order of the Empress Dowager, the throne will be passed to me. Go quickly." The little eunuch obeyed the order and hurried out of the main hall.
Now, Binghai Yixuan was ordered to go to the Kingdom of Hundred Flowers. At this time, he wore a bamboo hat and a plain white robe. Holding a sword, he looked like an ordinary martial arts practitioner to anyone who saw him. At this time, the two countries were at war, and it would not be so easy to sneak into the Kingdom of Hundred Flowers.
Bing Haiyixuan cautiously approached the city gate. The guards searched him thoroughly before allowing him to pass. Just as Bing Haiyixuan relaxed, a childish voice rang out, "Stop!" Bing Haiyixuan froze. Without turning around to see who it was, he didn't even bother to turn around.
"How rude! Hey, you're not here to visit the Hundred Flowers Kingdom for some kind of scheme, are you?" The childish voice rang out again. A murderous glint flashed in Binghai Yixuan's eyes as she turned to look at the source of the voice. Huh? Where is he? Where is he? Could he be a reclusive master? "Please, sir, look down." The childish voice rang out again, tinged with helplessness.
Binghai Yixuan looked down and saw a one-year-old girl looking up at her. Her eyes were just like Wan'er's, as were her pink lips. Her entire demeanor and domineering aura were identical to Wan'er's. Good heavens, a one-year-old child could not only talk but also walk so easily. Binghai Yixuan couldn't help but ask in confusion, "What's your relationship with Wan'er?"
The little one rolled his eyes at Bing Haiyixuan. "Please, squat down and talk to me. It's tiring like this." Bing Haiyixuan found it amusing, but obediently squatted down, looking at the little one through his straw hat. The little one nodded in satisfaction. "You know my beautiful mother?" Bing Haiyixuan was slightly taken aback. Beautiful mother? "You are... Wan'er's daughter?"
That's right, this little guy is Taiping. Little Taiping looked at Binghai Yixuan, who was wearing a straw hat, with a look of exasperation. "She already said she has a beautiful mother. Of course, she is her beautiful mother's daughter."
Binghai Yixuan smiled slightly, remaining silent. He rose to leave. But as soon as he turned, Xiao Taiping was already in front of him. Xiao Taiping's eyes flashed coldly. "Speak," he said, "what conspiracy are you plotting in the Hundred Flowers Kingdom?"
Binghai Yixuan was slightly taken aback. This little girl's martial arts skills were no worse than Wan'er's. Why? She was clearly one year old.
Xiao Taiping noticed his question, spread his hands, shrugged, and said, "I don't know why, but I'm so good at martial arts. Anyway, I was born with martial arts skills." Binghai Yixuan was shocked again, and the word "monster" echoed in his mind.
Little Taiping felt uncomfortable seeing Binghai Yixuan looking at him like he was a monster. He knew he couldn't let him go to the Hundred Flowers Kingdom just for that. "What kind of look is that? Honestly, how could my beautiful mother have ever known such an idiot like you?"
Binghai Yixuan wasn't angry. A smile played on her lips beneath her bamboo hat. "We even have similar tempers." Xiao Taiping was speechless. "Anyway, you can't go to the Hundred Flowers Kingdom."
Binghai Yixuan frowned slightly and asked, "Why?" Xiao Taiping stared straight at Binghai Yixuan with her captivating phoenix eyes. "I see bloodshed and cruelty in you." As she spoke, Xiao Taiping licked her small pink lips. For some reason, she had been fond of people's souls since birth.
And sometimes she can even see them. But spirits aren't scary, are they? They tremble with fear when they see me. It's unbelievable. Could it be that I have the ability to see ghosts in this life?
Binghai Yixuan kept her lips tightly pressed together, her brows furrowing even more deeply beneath her bamboo hat. Little Taiping nodded thoughtfully. "It seems you are very likely my sixth father." Binghai Yixuan was slightly taken aback. "Sixth father?"
Little Taiping, head held high and chest puffed out, said, "Little Taiping has seven fathers. Although I've never met two of them, you are one of them, Binghai Yixuan, right?" Little Taiping's unyielding tone made Binghai Yixuan quite fond of the little guy. "You saw right through me." With that, he took off his bamboo hat, revealing his handsome face.
Little Taiping nodded in satisfaction. "My beautiful mother is quite lucky." A slight blush appeared on Binghai Yixuan's handsome face at Little Taiping's words. Little Taiping sighed softly, "They could have just lived happily together, why did they have to make such a fuss? I really don't understand you old people." In Little Taiping's eyes, they were indeed old people.
Binghai Yixuan's handsome face paled slightly. "Adult matters are none of a child's business." Little Taiping's eyes immediately welled up with tears. "I don't want to get involved either, but my beautiful mother misses you terribly. She can't eat or drink because of you. Luckily, she still has five fathers by her side, otherwise she would be long gone." As he spoke, he pretended to be sad and about to shed tears. Actually, sometimes lies are well-intentioned. I'm just trying to bring my beautiful mother and Seventh Father together.
Bing Haiyixuan was clearly worried. His heart ached slightly; he felt so sorry for Wan'er. Who said he didn't love Wan'er? He just… "Wan'er, is she alright?" Little Taiping immediately glared at Bing Haiyixuan, her little eyes red, secretly pinching her short legs to force tears to fall. "Mother has lost so much weight! Mother misses you so much, loves you so much. But you pointed a sword at her, trying to kill her! If Mother knew, she… Waaah!" See? Bugui is a famous actress, a first-rate actor. Bing Haiyixuan tenderly picked up Little Taiping. "She won't know. I didn't go there to kill her in the first place."
(Hey everyone, do you like little Taiping? She's so cute!)
A Gathering of Handsome Men, Chapter Seventy-One: The Eccentric Ascends the Throne