Jeune Premier ministre, un ermite

Chapitre 124

The strength of the nation gave Dayu a clear military advantage over the surrounding ethnic groups. However, Tibet was the only exception.

The Tubo Kingdom had always coveted the rich lands of Dayu, especially the fertile lands of the Hexi Corridor.

The Tibetan Empire was well-organized, with a united front from top to bottom, a stable and rational military structure, and a fierce and martial spirit among its people. The military and geographical situation in the Hexi Corridor region was also very favorable to it.

The Tubo Kingdom, situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, could easily attack Dayu from its high vantage point and advance directly into the plains. Conversely, Dayu's attack on Tubo would require an uphill assault on the frigid and oxygen-deprived Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, making military operations extremely difficult.

Following the Tibetan invasion of Jiannan, Dayu began to strengthen its defenses in the area. War was brewing beneath a calm surface...

As autumn arrives, the vegetation remains lush, and flocks of wild geese from the northern desert have already flown south. Under the vast autumn sky, the magnificent and solemn Daxing Palace appears even more majestic and splendid.

As he slowly stepped onto the white marble steps, the autumn wind gently lifted his snow-white robes. The boy, as radiant as the moonlight, was always captivating. Every gesture, every movement, even the way he lightly touched his robes, made it impossible to look away.

He Lu, standing beside her, stared intently at her profile, completely mesmerized.

Upon entering the main hall, all the officials were surprised, each secretly wondering what the Emperor's urgent summons was for.

Seated on the dragon throne, Li Tianqi, dressed in a crimson and yellow dragon robe, possessed an ethereal and handsome face. With an elegant smile, his sharp eyes shone down from his seat, watching the elegant figure gracefully enter the hall from outside.

“My dear minister, in this battle of Jiannan Road, the King of Wind and the General of the Left Valiant Guard have made great contributions and deserve to be rewarded.” Li Tianqi turned to Wei Zijun, his eyes burning. “King of Wind, just say what reward you want, and I will grant it all.”

Wei Zijun looked up at him and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but Wei Feng has enough to eat and wear and no further reward is needed."

"Oh?" The burning gaze turned cold, staring at her for a long time. Turning to He Lu, she saw him staring intently at Wei Zijun.

It was a blatant gaze, filled with longing—the longing of a man for the one he desires.

"Is the Left Valiant Guard General married?" Li Tianqi asked with a smile, appearing every bit the caring emperor for his subjects.

"Your Majesty, I am not yet married," Helu replied.

"Yes, very good. I admire your loyalty to the country and your outstanding military achievements. I intend to make you my son-in-law. Have you taken a fancy to any princess?" He leaned forward and asked gently.

The courtiers were all astonished. His Majesty had not assigned a princess, but instead sent a general to choose one. This was an immense favor.

"I thank Your Majesty for your kindness, but I am of humble birth and dare not tarnish the princess's noble status. I would never dare to accept such an order."

Li Tianqi ignored He Lu's words, "The general is shy, so I had no choice but to act rashly and..."

Volume 3, Dayu Chapter 109: The Imperial Marriage

"Your Majesty—" He Lu interrupted him before he could finish, "Your Majesty need not trouble yourself with me. I cannot bring happiness to the princess, for I am attracted to men—"

Upon hearing this, the ministers erupted in a clamor. Some remained calm, some expressed regret, some looked down on him, and some scorned him, but most admired his boldness in speaking out.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun sighed inwardly. The guilt that had been gradually fading back returned; she was the one who had harmed him.

Li Tianqi stared at him for a long while, his clenched fist gradually relaxing. He suddenly felt that he was very brave, brave enough to face this forbidden love that was not tolerated by society. When he spoke so unreservedly, he must have felt a sense of exhilaration. So, shouldn't he also sort out his own feelings?

Li Tianqi waved his hand, "Court adjourned. The Lightness Skill Banquet will be held in five days. Prince Feng, please stay; I have matters to discuss."

As everyone else withdrew, only He Lu stood there, watching Wei Zijun's departing figure with Li Tianqi. After a while, he turned and left with a sense of loss.

"Zijun, go for a walk in the garden with your second brother."

The September sky was bright and sunny, and the air was filled with the fragrance of a hundred herbs. Most of the chrysanthemums in the Imperial Garden were in bloom, and two people walked one after the other along the stone path in the garden.

"Zijun, does General Ashina have someone he loves?" Li Tianqi turned to look at Wei Zijun. "Your Majesty, I don't know? Isn't he Zijun's Yang Chong?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun's expression turned cold. "If that's the case, then his beloved must be Wei Feng."

Upon hearing this, Li Tianqi suddenly turned around. Wei Zijun, who had been following behind him, did not expect him to stop and turn around suddenly. She couldn't stop in time and her whole body bumped into his chest, and her face was pressed against his chin.

Wei Zijun was extremely embarrassed and hurriedly stepped back, but was grabbed by Li Tianqi.

"What? Is Ziju afraid of me? Or do you hate me? Doesn't Ziju like men? Why are you avoiding me so urgently? Do you not like men like me?" Li Qianqi asked, looking down, her heavy breathing and hot breath hitting Wei Ziju's face.

“Your Majesty, since ancient times there has been a distinction between ruler and subject. How can a subject not be afraid of His Majesty? To say he is afraid is not entirely true; it would be more accurate to say he reveres him.” Wei Zijun lowered her eyes, avoiding looking at Ya’s face.

"Look at you, still so quick-witted and unrestrained. Where is the fear in your eyes?" Li Tianqi calmed his agitated emotions.

"Your Majesty, Wei Feng said it was out of reverence." He replied indifferently, his eyes still lowered.

A hint of anger rose in Li Tianqi's eyes, and he tightened his grip on her arm. "Zijun, don't treat me like this. I'm your second brother. Why are you so kind to everyone else, but so cruel to me?"

Seeing his wounded expression, she sighed inwardly. She wasn't petty, nor did she want to hold a grudge, but everyone has their limits. Public flogging in court—the humiliation of a court official was unbearable. Why didn't he feel the cruelty? Public flogging in court! How many high-ranking officials had committed suicide after being unable to bear such humiliation?

Did he ever consider the possibility that she might do something drastic? Fortunately, she had received a proper education, and fortunately, she had a strong heart. Even so, when he walked in the court and saw those probing gazes directed at him, though he outwardly feigned indifference, the shame in his heart did not lessen in the slightest. Did he ever consider her feelings? Cruel? Nothing could be more cruel.

He had humiliated her so much; was she supposed to stoop to such a lowly position and endure his insults with a forced smile? Proud as she was, she simply couldn't do it. Having promised her mother she wouldn't ignore it, indifference was the only option left.

“Your Majesty, Wei Feng is merely observing the proper etiquette between ruler and subject. Wei Feng has always been obedient to Your Majesty, so how could he be cruel to Your Majesty?”

"Can't you just call me Second Brother?" Do I have to call you His Majesty? Do you plan to keep calling me that forever? Li Tianqi's hands were trembling slightly.

“Yes, Your Majesty, every subject calls you that, and Wei Feng considers himself no exception.” Wei Zijun subtly took a step back.

“Very well, Minister Wei, call me that, just like everyone else.” Li Tianqi flicked his sleeve, turned his body, and stopped looking at her.

He remained awkwardly still, neither leaving nor turning back, just standing there. Wei Zijun sighed, "What kind of temper is this?"

Tired of standing, she ignored him and sat down on the stone railing by the pond, watching the goldfish swim back and forth.

Having calmed down, Li Tianqi slowly turned around and saw Wei Zijun's back as she looked towards the pond.

That slender figure was so endearing, and I felt a pang of guilt. Why did I have to get into a fight with Zijun? This gentle Zijun, who was also exceptionally sharp on the battlefield, would never act so childishly like him.