“It’s possible,” Nan Xuzong said. “Tuoba Heyan is an ambitious new king. He must be thinking about developing production in a short period of time, and then, when war comes, he will definitely launch a counterattack and expand his territory.”
"Tuoba Heyan," Ji Wushang said softly, "Do you think that Tuoba Heyan might be targeting our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty for territorial expansion?"
"Not for now, his strength isn't that great. Your father and the Prince of Zhenbei are guarding the border! What's there to be afraid of?" Nan Xuzong smiled, "And your elder brother, they're both heroes."
“My father and the Prince of Zhenbei will eventually grow old. My father’s health is deteriorating day by day. Alas!” Ji Wushang sighed. “My elder brother has been fighting on the frontier for many years. I only feel that I owe my sister-in-law a debt.”
“Someone has to sacrifice,” Nan Xuzong said, embracing her. He understood what she meant; Ji Dingbei was away leading troops for many years, which was indeed a debt he owed to their family. “You don’t need to worry. As long as the situation improves, I think your father will be able to retire and enjoy a more leisurely life.”
The reason he didn't call it a time of family bliss was because Ji Wushang's birth mother, Madam Bei, had already passed away, and Nan Xuzong deliberately avoided mentioning this.
Ji Wushang nodded, "Let's go back quickly! These matters concerning the frontier are probably for you men to worry about, while I, a sheltered young woman, will only worry about you."
"Alright, I like it this way. You can worry about me all you want." Nan Xuzong smiled and instructed Gong Shu to ride back to the capital at top speed.
At this moment, one person was facing away from the wind, and kneeling behind him were Muers and Hao Yueyi.
"Your Majesty, when our men went after them to kill them, who knew that those people were all imposters they had hired to impersonate them! Those few were actually the inn's waiters and manager!" Murs said indignantly.
"They are so cunning!" Hao Yueyi exclaimed. "Your Majesty, please grant me permission to lead troops to attack the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty!"
Yiyun Shangcheng stood like a monument. Without turning around, he asked directly, "If it's war, what do you think the chances of the Western Regions winning are?"
"Even if the odds are less than 50%, I will fight to the death!" Hao Yueyi gritted his teeth, unable to swallow this insult! To be completely outmaneuvered by Nan Xuzong was a humiliating disgrace!
"Hmph! Not even a 50% chance, General Hao, then what makes you think you can fight?" Yi Yun Shangcheng turned around and stood in front of Hao Yueyi. "I, the King, will never do anything I'm not confident about! General Hao, do you understand?"
"Your subject acknowledges his guilt." Hao Yueyi knelt on the ground and kowtowed.
"I foresaw what happened today. After all, you are no match for Nan Xuzong. He is a man of great patience and strategic brilliance. Compared to him, my martial arts are only on par! Fine! I will not entrust this matter to you! I have other matters to assign you, to cooperate with the witch doctor!" Nan Xuzong thinks he can fight me? He's really too naive! I won't play dirty tricks; I'll do it myself! Heh, Ji Wushang, you'll come begging to me!
"Your subject obeys!" The fact that Yiyun Shangcheng didn't lose his temper was a huge relief to them!
Meanwhile, within the imperial city, the atmosphere was one of overwhelming joy. Today was the day that the Second Prince, Huangfu Ting, and the Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan, were to marry their concubines.
Two days ago, on the morning of the same day, someone saw Empress Yao enter the Longgan Hall and talk with Emperor Zhou. In the afternoon, Emperor Zhou had already sent people to enclose several plots of land in the imperial city and build several residences.
A day earlier, Emperor Zhou had ordered a eunuch to read out an imperial edict in court, bestowing the titles of Prince Ting upon his second son, Huangfu Ting; Prince Xuan upon his third son, Huangfu Xuan; Prince Zong upon his fourth son, Huangfu Zong; Prince You upon his fifth son, Huangfu You, who had died young; and Prince Yu upon his sixth son, Huangfu Yu. Each was granted a residence, but unfortunately, they are still under construction.
The reason is that these princes have come of age and are eligible to be granted the title of king, with their own residences. Moreover, each of them is outstanding and has attracted much attention.
All of this would be relayed to Nan Xuzong via carrier pigeon or other coded messages.
However, the mansion was not yet built, so the wedding was still held in their respective original palaces. This saved a lot of formalities, since their pomp and circumstance could not be too extravagant, lest it reach the ears of the Zhou Emperor.
The ministers who came to offer their congratulations exchanged only polite words before leaving their gifts and being asked to sit in the Imperial Garden. For a moment, this gave the wedding a slightly different feel, making it seem more like a banquet than a prince's wedding.
But the most important thing is to be happy.
In the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Huangfu Xuan's eyes were clear as he looked at Ma Ruyi, who was being led forward by the master of ceremonies and was dressed in a red wedding gown. A smile appeared on his face, but it quickly disappeared. He took Ma Ruyi's hand and held it, but he could feel that her hand was sweaty.
Huangfu Xuan's eyes warmed slightly. She could be nervous too? This woman, sometimes, could be even more ruthless than he himself! Oh well, she should have been one of those unmarried women, but… Huangfu Xuan tightened his grip on her hand, and then they knelt together before the ancestral tablets. Beside them were Huangfu Ting and his two concubines, Yan Yuan Meian and Yao Jinhan.
The two were extremely excited; marrying into the royal family was their lifelong dream!
There wasn't a trace of a smile on Huangfu Ting's face. Marrying these women was merely to fill his harem, at most as tools for venting his anger and consolidating his power, nothing more!
After the three kowtows and nine bows, they were led to the bridal chamber, and everyone dispersed according to the time.
When Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong returned to the capital, it was already late in the Xu hour (9 PM Beijing time). Nan Xuzong was still in the carriage with her, letting Gong Shu drive slowly. Nan Xuzong put his arm around Ji Wushang's waist and asked, "How are you? Are you tired? Do you want to go back to the palace to rest immediately?"
“No need. Today is a joyous occasion for my third brother and the others. Why don’t we just find somewhere to rest and return to the palace tomorrow?” Ji Wushang looked at him. It was quite lively outside, like a festival.
Nan Xuzong followed her gaze and looked outside. Seeing a large group of people playing around, he asked Gong Shu, "Gong Shu, is today a special day?"
"Yes, sir, it is the War God Festival," Gong Shu replied.
Nan Xuzong was stunned for a moment. "The War God Festival?" He had never paid attention to such festivals before, but now, the thought of the words "War God" sent a chill down his spine.
Ji Wushang looked at him, "Cong, what's wrong?"
"It's alright. Do you like this festival?" Nan Xuzong looked at her and asked, "Are you thinking of going out to see the world?" Nan Xuzong hid all his emotions.
"Yes, I want to go and take a look." Ji Wushang smiled, and seeing that he didn't seem to mind, she expressed her opinion. Everything outside was new and wonderful to her, and she liked it very much.
Nan Xuzong nodded. He hadn't taken her out since his legs had healed, and now that the night was perfect, it was the perfect opportunity.
Gong Shu parked the carriage in a courtyard, and the two got off. After waving for Gong Shu to get off, Nan Xuzong led Ji Wushang slowly through the night streets.
There were many men and women strolling around the night market.
Ji Wushang hadn't come out for a long time, which made her feel a little excited. Seeing Ji Wushang's cheerful appearance, all the gloom in Nan Xuzong's heart was swept away. He walked slowly behind her, and seeing her excited, he couldn't help but quicken his pace and call out, "Slow down, be careful not to hurt your leg."
"It's alright, look how fine I am," Ji Wushang said with a smile, his smile becoming even brighter.
Nan Xuzong sighed helplessly. Perhaps she had been locked in that cage for too long, and being released only once in a while made her this happy. But perhaps this was her true nature! She should be this joyful, not as heavy-hearted as she was when she died tragically in her previous life.
Ji Wushang walked ahead, but saw a group of people gathered together, seemingly discussing something. Ji Wushang stopped, and Nan Xuzong stepped forward to take her hand. "What's wrong?"
"Look, there are so many people gathered there, I wonder what they're doing?" Ji Wushang asked with great curiosity.
“He’s a storyteller,” Nan Xuzong said. “You’re in that deep courtyard of the inner residence, so it’s natural that you’re curious.”
"I want to go listen to it, it looks really exciting." Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong with expectant eyes. Nan Xuzong smiled, "Whatever you say."
☆、246 A loving couple, may our love last forever!
Nan Xuzong pulled Ji Wushang's hand and stepped forward, trying his best to protect her, since such a public appearance had already attracted the attention of many people.
Ji Wushang turned her head to look at Nan Xuzong, who smiled at her and gestured for her to listen to the people's stories.
"The God of War came to the mortal realm, originally intending to kill the Blood Lotus Demon Lord. But unexpectedly, the God of War fell in love with her!" The storyteller happened to be speaking at this point.
Upon hearing this, Nan Xuzong was extremely surprised and tried to pull Ji Wushang away, but Ji Wushang was very curious and said, "Zong, no, I want to hear it."
"Why did you fall in love with her? She's a wicked devil!" someone asked.
"Take your time, no rush!" the storyteller said. "The Demon Lord was originally cold-blooded and loveless, but the God of War believed that those who lack love are most lacking in love, so he decided to use love to influence the Demon Lord. He never expected that the two of them would actually fall in love while fighting each other!"
Nan Xuzong's eyes darkened as he gripped Ji Wushang's hand tightly. She was so engrossed in listening that she didn't notice.
"The God of War used love to lock his heart, but he did not expect that the two would fall in love and be discovered by the Heavenly Court. Therefore, the Three Realms decided to kill the two!" The storyteller looked around at the people around him, but his last gaze fell on the two unusual people.
Seeing that he was looking at her and Nan Xuzong, Ji Wushang turned to look at Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong's face was dark, not with anger, but with an unspeakable heaviness. Ji Wushang thought he didn't like hearing such a story, so she tugged at his hand. "Don't look so grumpy! Let's leave right after we finish listening, okay?"
Nan Xuzong realized that his expression was somewhat serious and might frighten Ji Wushang, so he immediately smiled and said, "I'll listen to whatever you want, as much as you like." Listening wouldn't hurt, as long as she didn't doubt him at all.
"Hurry up and tell me! Why are you keeping me in suspense?"
"Yes, what happened next?" someone urged immediately.
The storyteller turned his gaze back and said, "The God of War and the Demon Lord went into hiding everywhere, trying to avoid this calamity. But where in the Three Realms could they hide? In the end, the Demon Lord watched as the God of War was about to die in front of her for her sake. She herself faced his sword and died by his blade, turning into a blood lotus!"
Everyone sighed upon hearing this, never expecting that the Demon Lord would actually sacrifice himself.
"It's not over yet, why are you leaving so soon!" The storyteller said immediately as someone was about to leave. "The God of War was filled with grief. Holding a blood lotus, he went to the Buddha and knelt for a full thousand years before he was able to see the Buddha's true form. The Buddha said that if he wanted the Demon Lord to be reborn as a woman, he must cultivate for ten lifetimes to wash away their karmic entanglement! The God of War agreed without hesitation. And the Buddha also told him that if he wanted the Demon Lord's soul to be immortal, he must offer his immortal heart to protect the Demon Lord's spirit. Guess what happened?"
"It must be that the God of War is asking Buddha if there is another way," one person said.
"No, the God of War simply dug out his own heart and placed it into the Blood Lotus. The Blood Lotus was almost withered, but after obtaining his heart, it immediately bloomed and revived! When Buddha saw the God of War die beside the Blood Lotus, he sent them to the Bridge of Helplessness, promising them ten lifetimes of cultivation in exchange for one lifetime of being together."
"Our War God Festival is to commemorate the love between the two of them. Actually, this festival is also called Lovers' Day!" The storyteller added with a smile, seeing the silent atmosphere tinged with sadness.
Everyone who heard this sighed and talked about the tragic love story before slowly dispersing.
Ji Wushang listened and turned to look at Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong looked down at Ji Wushang and asked, "Well? Did you finish listening?" Would her ending be the same as the ending of the God of War and the Demon Lord?
hehe!
How ridiculous! Do I really believe these storytellers' tales?
"It breaks my heart to see their ending. Ten lifetimes, Cong, tell me, how long is that?" Ji Wushang asked Nan Xu Cong immediately.
Nan Xuzong said, "A lifetime is about a hundred years, ten lifetimes is a thousand years, plus the thousand years that the God of War knelt before Buddha, that's more than two thousand years of love."
As Ji Wushang listened, she sighed inwardly. Nan Xuzong lowered his eyes and embraced her in his arms. "Perhaps it is worth it to exchange two thousand years of waiting and sincerity for a hundred years of devotion."
"Cong, if you were the God of War and I were the Demon Lord, what would you do?" Ji Wushang looked at him, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Women are always so quick to identify with certain situations, but this time, her identification was actually correct.
Nan Xuzong looked at her, and at the people around him, bustling about, some walking, some gathering.
He embraced her and walked forward. "If I were the God of War, I wouldn't let the Demon Lord die at his hands. Instead, I would protect the Demon Lord with an undying heart. The Three Realms simply can't stand the love between gods and demons. If one of them dies first, it will surely destroy this love, and then they'll be fine. Otherwise, the God of War would never have been able to carry the Blood Lotus to the Buddha and kneel for a thousand years."
"Wouldn't that mean only the Demon Lord is left? The God of War died at her hands?" Ji Wushang said. "The survivors suffer the most, Cong, don't you know that?"
“I know.” Nan Xuzong smiled. “But only by living can we hope to continue to be happy. If we die, everything will end. The Demon Lord can choose to forget, or he can choose another lover.”
"It's not that easy," Ji Wushang retorted. "Making lovers forget each other is probably harder than climbing to heaven."
"Forget it, let's not talk about such things anymore. Let's go see the lanterns over there," Nan Xuzong said with a smile, only praying that heaven wouldn't burden him with such a problem. Whether it was true or not, he only wanted to walk with Ji Wushang. As for the question of whether it was hard to forget... he knew how hard it was, but he just didn't want to face it.
Seeing that he wasn't very interested in that topic, Ji Wushang didn't say anything more. But seeing the lanterns over there, he was extremely happy. "Okay, let's go!"
Nan Xuzong smiled. These festivals are inseparable from lanterns, and whenever he saw the way her eyes lit up when she looked at those lanterns, his mood was incredibly good! That's when she was most genuine, most endearing, and most captivating to him.
Nan Xuzong led her along the riverbank, upstream, passing many lanterns that had floated downstream. This time, he dared not take her to release a lantern, fearing that their lantern would again float upstream! He feared that heaven would send another omen, warning him that thinking of being with Ji Wushang was tantamount to defying the heavens!
However, now we must make him defy the heavens!
Seeing Nan Xuzong lost in thought, Ji Wushang immediately waved his hand in front of him. "Cong, what's wrong?" Ji Wushang looked at him, then stood in front of him, tilted his head up, looked into his starry eyes, and magically produced a lotus lantern from behind his back. "Look, there's a lotus lantern! I bought one!"
He glanced down in surprise, but quickly concealed it, his eyes crinkling into a smile. "So, you're thinking of releasing lotus lanterns? Come, let's go!" In the end, he was captivated by her smile. Even if it meant endless suffering, he would face it. Even if he didn't want to see any signs of that, he would go and see what it was all about for the sake of her smile!
Seeing his happiness, Ji Wushang immediately took his hand and walked towards the river. "I bought this lotus lantern from that uncle over there. He didn't even want my money! What a kind person!" Ji Wushang chattered on and on, looking at Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong glanced at her, his eyes shining. "That uncle is indeed a very kind person."
“Yes!” Ji Wushang smiled as he met Nan Xuzong’s eyes. “Hurry up, lots of people have already released lanterns!”
Seeing her happy, Nan Xuzong smiled, put his arm around her waist, and tiptoed, carrying her to the other side of the river. There weren't many people there. First, Nan Xuzong didn't want anyone to disturb him and Ji Wushang. Second, if the lotus lantern really did go upstream again, only he needed to know; there was no need for others to know! He could also deceive Ji Wushang a little; it was going downstream, so it wouldn't easily arouse her suspicion.
Ji Wushang steadied himself, then held the lotus lantern in his hands. Fortunately, the lamp inside was still burning.
"Put her in the water! Be careful," Nan Xuzong said with a smile in her ear, then put an arm around her waist, as if afraid she would fall into the water.
Ji Wushang smiled and nodded, "You don't need to hold me like that. I'm just releasing a lantern. I'll be careful. Don't worry." As she spoke, she used one hand to pry his hand off her waist. He obediently let go, but his gaze remained fixed on her. She bent down and personally and slowly released the lotus lantern into the water, giving it a gentle push.
Then she immediately stood up, made the creases of her tongue, closed her eyes, and prayed. Nan Xuzong smiled, watching her devout expression. Yes, she was so devout; Heaven should have mercy on her, not harm or torment her! She was so beautiful!