Eyes Charming - Глава 65
"King Cangliao?" Ao Jun finally raised his head to look at Jin Xuan, repeating in surprise.
"Mm." Jinxuan nodded, his eyes becoming even more profound.
"Your Highness, Strategist, what are you talking about? Why aren't you joining the soldiers?" Before Ao Jun could speak, Zhao Zhiyang, who was having a great time, staggered up to the two of them and shouted loudly, slightly drunk.
Immediately, all the soldiers joined in the commotion: "Yes, let's play together! It's rare to have such a good time."
"Strategist, you didn't fight alongside us in this battle. You must be punished, you must be punished..." Zhao Zhiyang continued to shout loudly, clearly unwilling to let Ao Jun off the hook. He seemed to be quite drunk.
"Yes, punish him with a drink, punish him with a drink..." As soon as Zhao Zhiyang finished speaking, the entire army surrounded him, echoing his words and shouting excitedly that Ao Jun should be punished with a drink.
Amidst the clamor of the crowd, Ao Jun looked at the iron-willed men who had left their homes and were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country and families, and her heart was suddenly stirred. She stopped thinking about the annoying problem for a moment, because she had a premonition that she and Yelü Ying would definitely meet again before returning to the capital.
Once he understood, Ao Jun stood up abruptly, picked up his wine cup, and said to the soldiers, "Mo Jun, be punished." With that, he boldly downed the wine in his hand.
"Well done, strategist! You are indeed a great man." The generals exclaimed in unison. Despite his seemingly gentle nature, the strategist is surprisingly generous and has the demeanor of a great general.
"Strategist, another cup!" Zhao Zhiyang clearly still wasn't going to let Ao Jun off the hook. Holding a wine glass, he shouted at Ao Jun again, seeing that he could barely stand, he must be drunk.
"Another glass?" Ao Jun hesitated, holding the glass. She had never been a good drinker, and this wine was so strong. She was already feeling a little dizzy after just one glass, and if she drank another, she would probably get drunk.
"Yes, this cup is my apology to the strategist. I misunderstood the strategist about the red jade and even spoke rudely to him. Although the strategist doesn't blame me, I still feel bad. I'm using this cup of wine to apologize to the strategist again. If the strategist doesn't drink it, it means he hasn't forgiven us." Except for Wei Ziqi, all the soldiers also shouted, insisting that Ao Jun drink the wine.
Why are they all so determined to force Ao Jun to drink? Hehe... Actually, they all have the same thought: seeing the strategist's always indifferent and aloof demeanor, without a single expression, is no fun at all. They want to see the strategist staggering around drunk; perhaps that would be more normal, hehe... To put it bluntly, they want to play a prank on the strategist. After all, he keeps all his plans from them, so of course he deserves to be punished...
"This cup, let me drink it on behalf of the strategist!" Seeing Ao Jun's predicament, Jin Xuan spoke up at the opportune moment, blocking Gao Jun's way.
Given this rare opportunity to put the strategist in danger, how could the soldiers possibly let Ao Jun off the hook and allow Jin Xuan to drink in his place? So Zhao Zhiyang took the lead and shouted, "No way! How can we let the prince drink in our place? The strategist must drink, otherwise he won't forgive us, right?"
"Yes..." Wow, the voices were so synchronized! They were deafening!
Imagine what it would be like to be forced to drink by an army of 100,000! Even someone as composed as Ao Jun couldn't help but swallow hard. Was there really no way to escape today? She turned to look at Jin Xuan, hoping that this prince could help her fend off the enemy again.
Receiving Ao Jun's pleading look, Jin Xuan shrugged and sighed helplessly, "Sigh, don't look at me, I can't help you either." He feigned helplessness, showing no outward emotion, but inwardly he was secretly laughing. He'd never seen Ao Jun so flustered. She was always so confident, as if she had everything under control. He never imagined a single drink could make her so panicked. Haha... He suddenly really wanted to see her drunk; it would definitely be a different kind of charm. Haha...
"Hmph." Ao Jun snorted and turned her head away, no longer pleading with him. She clearly saw a smug smile flash across his face as he spoke. Hmph, dare to laugh at her? It's just a glass of wine, isn't it? I, Ling Ao Jun, fear neither heaven nor earth, am I afraid of a glass of wine? Enraged by Jin Xuan, Ao Jun immediately disregarded everything, tilted her head back, and drank the wine in the glass in one gulp. After finishing, she turned the glass upside down to indicate that she had drunk every last drop.
"Good, strategist, you really have a good capacity for alcohol!" The soldiers erupted in cheers again.
Ao Jun was already dizzy and lightheaded, her face burning, and she looked like she was about to collapse. Her eyes were half open and half closed, indicating that she was drunk, but she was still trying to stay conscious. She didn't want to lose face in front of so many people.
Jin Xuan, standing to the side, was already regretting it. He shouldn't have let Jun drink that cup. Seeing her half-open, half-closed eyes, her face flushed and glowing, so alluring and captivating under the moonlight, made him itch with desire. Damn it, he was already aroused. He picked up the wine cup on the table and, as if very thirsty, downed the wine in one gulp. He turned his head, trying his best not to look at the sensual scene that was constantly arousing him. But his eyes seemed to be out of his control, always looking towards Jun. Damn it, his mind kept replaying the scene of kissing Jun that night, and his body was screaming uncontrollably. No, if this continued, he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't do something irreversible. He could only keep drinking to focus his attention, to get drunk so he wouldn't think about it. But the more he drank, the more sober he became, and the more he wanted Jun.
Chapter Fifty-Two: The Triumphant Return to the Capital
Finally, the year-long war between Longxuan and Cangliao came to an end. A day earlier, Prince Jin of Longxuan, representing the Longxuan Emperor, signed a ceasefire agreement with the King of Cangliao at the border between the two countries. Cangliao had already withdrawn its troops and returned home that same day. They had initially promised to cede three cities as an apology, but the Longxuan Emperor, being magnanimous, did not pursue the matter. Cangliao was not required to cede cities as an apology; the agreement stipulated that as long as Cangliao promised not to invade Longxuan again, the two countries would henceforth become brotherly nations, exchanging goods and resources.
At this moment, the army of the Longxuan Dynasty was also preparing to return to the capital. The army was ready and estimated to arrive in Longxuan capital within five days. Ao Jun was incredibly excited! Longxuan capital, here I come! Xue, here I come! I wonder what your expression will be when you see me! Hehe… (evil laugh)
"Brother, you must remember to come see me!" Ao Jun was imagining Xue's surprised expression when she saw her when Yue Ying's mournful voice suddenly rang out.
Coming to her senses, she saw Yueying looking at her with teary eyes. She gently wiped away her tears and said softly, "Brother will definitely come to see you."
Just the day before, Yueying's aunt sent someone to find her, saying there was something important and she needed to return immediately. The aunt even sent someone to pick her up, so she couldn't go back to the capital with Aojun and the others. The thought of being separated from Aojun had made her cry all night. But her aunt always doted on her, and now that her aunt had sent someone to pick her up, she couldn't refuse. Aojun, being the main contributor to this mission, couldn't accompany her to her aunt's house and naturally had to return to the capital. Helpless, Yueying could only repeatedly remind Aojun to visit her, and even now, with departure imminent, she kept saying it.
"Miss Mo, don't worry, the strategist will definitely come to pick you up." At this moment, Zhao Zhiyang walked over and said softly. He was reluctant to part with Yueying, but unfortunately, her heart only belonged to the strategist. As long as his beloved was happy, he would help Yueying keep a close eye on the strategist.
"Yes, General Zhao, please take care of my brother for me. Don't let her strength fool you, she can't take care of herself at all." Hearing Zhao Zhiyang say this, Yueying looked at him with teary eyes, entrusting her beloved 'brother' to this kind-hearted Zhao Zhiyang.
Her pitiful and charming appearance stunned Zhao Zhiyang, who could only mechanically nod in agreement.
Ao Jun, standing to the side, had already darkened her face. She admitted she couldn't take care of herself, but having Zhao Zhiyang take care of her seemed a bit too strange! Just thinking about Zhao Zhiyang carrying food and shouting in his gruff voice, "Strategist, dinner's ready!" was terrifying! Ying'er, you're not going to do this to me, are you?!
Finally, under Ying'er's reluctant gaze, the army set off towards the capital. Ao Jun rode on a spotless white horse, her black hair fluttering in the wind, her clothes billowing. Her stunningly beautiful face, bathed in the winter afternoon sun, was even more beautiful and moving, gentle yet heroic, so radiant that it was hard to open one's eyes. Her indifferent and detached expression made her seem like an immortal who had not eaten the food of this world.
Today, the sun shines brightly, birds sing, and flowers bloom—it's an exceptionally beautiful day. It seems even the heavens are overjoyed. The entire capital of Longxuan is deserted; men, women, and children alike have abandoned their work and rushed to the city gates to eagerly await the arrival of the new emperor. Among them are the pampered and arrogant sons of the royal family, who, despite their privileged upbringing, are wiping away sweat under the blazing sun, yet dare not utter a single complaint. All the civil and military officials are also present, including Liu Jingming, a veteran of three reigns, and Xiao Qiyuan, the current emperor's father-in-law and prime minister, who stand before the officials, craning their necks to look ahead.
What major event has occurred? No matter who you ask, they will definitely roll their eyes at you, look at you like you're an alien, and ask if you're from the Longxuan Dynasty. Even a three-year-old knows this, and you don't? Today is the grand day of Prince Jin's triumphant return to the capital. Even the world's number one strategist—Young Master Mo Jun—is in the entourage. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the divine figures of the "Cold-Faced War God" Prince Jin and the "World's Number One Strategist" Young Master Mo Jun.
"They're here! They're here..." someone shouted, and the crowd began to stir. If it weren't for the soldiers holding them back, a major riot might have broken out. Liu Jingming, Xiao Qiyuan, and the other officials also had their eyes light up: they'd finally arrived. The good-for-nothing royal princes were also overjoyed: finally they wouldn't have to stand here in the sun anymore. Their minds were filled with thoughts of which concubine's beautiful figure.
Finally, amidst everyone's eager anticipation, Prince Jin, dressed in a battle robe, appeared in everyone's sight with a majestic presence, riding a tall horse with a blank expression. Behind him followed General Wei Ziqi, General Zhao Zhiyang, and other generals. In the middle was a large but plain-looking carriage, and at the very end were the soldiers. The entire procession marched towards the city gate in a grand manner.
When Jin Xuan led his large entourage to the city gates and stopped, Xiao Qiyuan immediately stepped forward and bowed to Jin Xuan, who was mounted on horseback, saying, "This humble official, Xiao Qiyuan, has come with His Majesty and all officials to welcome Your Highness back to court." Xiao Qiyuan had always been grateful for Jin Xuan's life-saving grace years ago, and he admired and appreciated this universally praised 'God of War' immensely. Alas, what a pity! Qing'er had broken his heart. If he had another daughter, he would definitely make Prince Jin her son-in-law!
As soon as Xiao Qiyuan finished speaking, all the officials and noble sons knelt down and said to Jinxuan, "We respectfully welcome Your Highness back to the capital in triumph."
"Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!" All the people present knelt down and shouted in unison.
Jin Xuan immediately dismounted and said to Xiao Qiyuan, "Your Excellency is too kind. Please rise, Lord Liu!"
Xiao Qiyuan is Yuqing's father and an upright and loyal minister. He is not only the prime minister but also the emperor's father-in-law, making him second only to the emperor. However, he never abuses his power for personal gain and is always diligent, frugal, and honest. Although Jinxuan has only met him once, he respects him greatly and regards him as an elder. Although Liu Jingming does not have such great power, he is a veteran of three reigns and has a high reputation in the court. He is also an elder whom Jinxuan respects. In front of the two of them, Jinxuan has never wanted to act like a prince.
As for the other civil and military officials present, although there were many upright people, there were also too many treacherous ones. As for those so-called noble sons who idled away their days and cheated the people, they were a disgrace to the royal family. He had never given these people a kind look.
With a wave of his hand, he addressed the officials, "Rise!"
"Thank you, Your Highness," the officials said to Jinxuan as they slowly stood up.
As the officials stood up, the entire city's people once again shouted in unison to Prince Jinxuan, "Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!" Then they also stood up. No one dared to look directly at the Prince, only daring to secretly glance at this stern and handsome Prince Jin. Many young girls' eyes immediately lit up with desire, and some boldly threw flirtatious glances. Young men secretly resolved to take Prince Jin as their role model, while middle-aged men and women secretly regretted not being born a few years later.
Jin Xuan seemed unfazed by this scene, remaining expressionless as if it had nothing to do with him, and asked Xiao Qiyuan, "Lord Xiao, where is the Emperor?"
Normally, when he returned to the capital in triumph, his elder brother would personally go to the city gate to reward the three armies, which would be seen as a great favor by others! But only the two brothers knew that it was not to show off any great favor, but because they were truly brothers. Although he never cared about such things and just knew it in his heart, he found it strange that his elder brother did not come this time.
Xiao Qiyuan's expression was a little strange, but he quickly calmed down and said, "His Majesty still has 'important matters' to attend to. He has ordered me to lead all the officials here to welcome the Prince back to the capital. The Prince must be very tired after his long journey back to the capital. Please return to the Prince's residence first. His Majesty will hold a banquet in the palace tonight to welcome the Prince back and also reward the three armies."
The Emperor is right, Prince Jin will definitely ask about him. Alas, what important matter does the Emperor have? It's all because of the Empress, his daughter, who just gave birth to the Crown Prince and is still very weak. Despite the Emperor's objections, she insisted on traveling incognito, saying she wanted to see the grand return of the army, and more importantly, she wanted to see the legendary strategist, the unparalleled Mo Jun. No matter what the Emperor said, she was determined to leave the palace. Even when the Emperor promised to summon Mo Jun to the palace so she could see him, she still refused. No one but the Emperor could stop the clever and eccentric Empress. In the end, the Emperor had no choice but to stay and watch over her, sending him to welcome Prince Jin. As for rewarding the army, the Emperor still wanted to do it personally, so it was postponed to the welcoming banquet that evening. I guess the Emperor is still trying to stall Qing'er right now! Your Majesty, you've suffered!