Chapter 32 A tall tree attracts the wind

On this side, Li Liuxiu and Wu Xin were interacting with each other, while on the other side, the feelings between Wu Huai and Hu Yueqin were growing stronger.

Hu Yueqin naturally wanted to reconcile with Wu Huai, but due to her status as the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, she could not put what happened in the Western Regions behind her.

After one month, the delegations started their journey home one after another, but Hu Yueqin stayed.

Wu Huai was delighted in his heart. He loved this beautiful woman so much that he wanted to pamper her to the sky. He held her in his hands for fear of dropping her, and held her in his mouth for fear of melting her.

Wu Huai naturally understood that his status as the emperor was the final barrier between the two of them, but he couldn't find a good solution for the time being.

Until that morning court session.

"Your Majesty, although we are living in a peaceful and prosperous age with the world united, we should be vigilant and not let our guard down.

"I have observed that Your Majesty has been absent-minded during the morning court sessions in recent days and has not been handling government affairs properly. I beg Your Majesty to pay more attention to this."

Among the civil officials, the censor came out and spoke frankly about the emperor's mistakes.

This position was established by the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty to ensure that the reigning emperor's conduct matched his moral character and rank. If his virtue was unworthy of his position, the censors would speak out.

Of course, the premise is that the ruler in the censor's heart is balanced and selfless.

Wu Huai narrowed his eyes and looked at the figure of the old censor below the stage. Before he could speak, Li Liuxiu beside him said, "Since His Majesty came to power, he has been defending against powerful enemies abroad and improving government affairs at home. He has devoted almost all his efforts to bringing the Tang Dynasty back on track.

Your Majesty is also a human being, and people naturally take time off from their busy schedules. In these peaceful times, as long as you don't cross the line, Your Majesty can do as he pleases and enjoy the leisure time earned through his hard work."

Wu Huai glanced at her, curled the corners of his mouth slightly, and nodded with satisfaction.

The censors in the audience were speechless after hearing Li Tingxiang's remarks and left the stage in a dignified manner.

Li Liuxiu glanced at the nobles behind him, then turned and continued, "Do you all remember? When the war was about to subside, His Majesty was practically working two days a day, eager to write a reform proposal the next day. At that time, His Majesty was truly devoted to the country and the people. A large part of the credit for the current peaceful and prosperous era lies with His Majesty. His Majesty is not a god, and he gets tired too. Naturally, he can't keep up with such intense work. So, everyone, please understand."

At the morning court session that day, all the officials witnessed the unity between the emperor and his subjects. The current prime minister did not hesitate to defend the emperor against the censors. He was indeed someone the emperor admired, and Li Liuxiu did not disappoint the emperor's appreciation at all.

It was also during the morning court session that Wu Huai had a vague idea - to give up his throne.

This incident had never happened during the reigns of previous emperors, and Wu Huai wanted to set a precedent.

He told Hu Yueqin his thoughts truthfully. Hu Yueqin felt a little happy, but also a little worried.

"If you do this, how will your subjects view Your Majesty?"

Wu Huai hugged Hu Yueqin from behind and whispered, "They're really hoping I'll abdicate."

Li Liuxiu left the court and returned to her office. From a distance, she saw a pretty figure waiting at the door. She stepped forward and bowed, saying, "My princess, are you well? I wonder what brings you here?"

The person who came was Princess Li Yao. Princess Li Yao had been running to the palace every day in the past two days. The servants intuitively felt that Princess Li Yao had a good relationship with the emperor.

Princess Li Yao seemed to be visiting Wu Huai, but in fact she spent most of her time with Li Tingxiang.

She waved her round fan gently and smiled, "I heard that Li Tingxiang argued with the censor this morning on behalf of the imperial sister?"

Li Liuxiu also smiled and said, "The censor's words are biased. To protect the dignity of His Majesty, I must argue with him."

As he was speaking, a group of people came over from a distance, and the one leading them was the censor from this morning.

Li Liuxiu said, "It's not easy to talk here. Please move to the main hall."

Finally, he instructed the gatekeepers: "I will not see any guests today. I will say that I am busy with government affairs."

"promise!"

The two of them arrived at the main hall, and Princess Li Yao expressed her concerns. "Prime Minister Li Ting, I understand that the court is now divided into two factions: one supporting the Imperial Sister, and the other seeking to impeach her. Since Prime Minister Li Ting was so supportive of the Imperial Sister this morning, those people will inevitably cause trouble for you."

Li Liuxiu said, "The emperor is naturally the most respected in the court. As the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, I am only loyal to the person who sits in that position, no matter if she is Wu Huai or someone else."

Princess Li Yao's eyes dimmed, and she thought to herself, it turns out that this person is not entirely on Wu Huai's side, but is more interested in that position.

Li Liuxiu continued, "Besides, sitting in this position naturally attracts attention. As for those people's little tricks, we should naturally be friendly. If they are too rampant, I will always stand on the side of His Majesty."

As usual, Princess Li Yao talked to Li Liuxiu and chatted with her when she was taking a break from handling government affairs.

It was not until late that Princess Li Yao and Li Liuxiu left the palace together. Although the Prime Minister's Mansion and the Princess' Mansion were in two directions, Princess Li Yao went the same way with Li Liuxiu every day. Li Liuxiu saw through it but did not say anything, not knowing how far his "hunting plan" had progressed.

Princess Li Yao is of noble status and outstanding appearance, and is very popular among aristocratic men and women.

On the other hand, Li Liuxiu, a newcomer in the political arena, had nothing to do with the nobles and had almost no friends.

Princess Li Yao went home with her every day. When she met friends on the way, she would greet them and introduce Li Liuxiu to them. When they heard that the person walking next to her was the prime minister of the current dynasty, all her friends praised her.

After all, Princess Li Yao had put aside her differences, so it was inappropriate for them to continue to act so arrogantly and mock Li Liuxiu's commoner background.

It was because of these times of traveling together that Li Liuxiu gradually became prominent in the circle of the powerful. Also, because Li Liuxiu and Princess Li Yao always went out together, people couldn't help but make associations.

"You said, this Li Tingxiang has a cold attitude towards everyone, but he is so close to Princess Li Yao. Could the two of them be in that kind of relationship?"

The two people who had just greeted Princess Li Yao on the road looked at their backs and spoke quietly.

"I think it's almost certain. Princess Li Yao is the current emperor's biological sister, and Li Tingxiang is the prime minister admired by the emperor. The two families marrying each other will stabilize the court. The possibility is very high!"

Li Liuxiu and the other person were unaware of the discussions behind them and finally arrived at the Prime Minister's residence. Li Liuxiu said goodbye to everyone as usual and was about to enter.

A charming voice sounded from behind, "Prime Minister Li Ting, won't you invite me in to sit down?" Princess Li Yao covered her face with a round fan and said with a smile.

Li Liuxiu turned his back to the man, his lips curled slightly, then quickly calmed down. He turned around and said calmly, "Of course, even if it's because Miss Wu always sees me off when I return home every day, I'd like to invite you in for a cup of tea."

Princess Li Yao was stunned for a moment, the word "Miss Wu" echoing in her head. It was the first time she called me that.

Princess Li Yao stepped forward, and Li Liuxiu arranged her entourage and brought her to the main hall. Madam Li happened to have a performance today and would not be home until the evening.

The two chatted idly, and as the tea was almost finished, Li Liuxiu couldn't hide the smile in her eyes. Princess Li Yao was really amused and asked, "Miss Li, is there anything happy?"

Li Liuxiu's eyes sparkled, like a mischievous child who had succeeded in his prank. "Miss Wu, do you understand the principle of luring someone into a trap and finding it difficult to escape?"

Li Liuxiu's words were completely irrelevant and Princess Li Yao was completely confused. She didn't understand the deep meaning of Li Liuxiu's words.

But she continued, "Miss Wu must be in love with me."

Princess Li Yao was suddenly exposed to her feelings. She felt a little shy, but did not refute. She asked with a wandering look, "So what?"

Li Liuxiu's smile widened, and he said, "What a coincidence! I also like Miss Wu. I like you, just like fish like water, and stars like moonlight."

Princess Li Yao didn't hear anything about what she said next. When Li Liuxiu said that she also liked him, the string of rationality in her mind suddenly broke.

It happened that the man moved from the opposite position to her side. She did not move at all, staring at the man in a daze. When she finally felt that something was wrong with her body, her consciousness became blurred, she was dizzy and fell asleep.

When she woke up again, Princess Li Yao was shackled to the bed, barefoot and wearing only her inner clothes. The room was dim, and she could barely see the door. She wanted to call for help, but found that she couldn't speak. Was she imprisoned?

The fear in my heart was infinitely magnified. Recalling everything that happened before I fell into a coma, I felt that I must have a brain disease and that was why I wanted to come in for a cup of tea.

The door opened slightly, and the Li Liuxiu she had been thinking about appeared outside. The man walked slowly over and turned on the bedside lamp. With the light shining in, Princess Li Yao felt that her clothes were really revealing. She wanted to raise her hands to cover herself, but there was a crisp sound of iron chains, and she remembered that her limbs were tied.

Princess Li Yao was speechless and her eyes were red with anxiety.

Li Liuxiu walked to the bed and looked at the beautiful body of the person on the bed, whose face was half covered with the pipa. He felt hot in his lower abdomen and his mouth was dry.

I saw the man's mouth opening and closing, but there was no sound. His eyes were red and tears were in the corners of his eyes. He looked so pitiful.

Li Liuxiu raised his hand and released Princess Li Yao from her mute state. Princess Li Yao was terrified and asked in a trembling voice, "Li, what do you intend to do, Li Tingxiang?"

Li Liuxiu remained silent, merely staring at her. Seeing her lack of response, Princess Li Yao gradually grew bolder and tentatively asked, "Prince Li Tingxiang wants money? If you release me, I will return tomorrow with ten carts of gold."

After Princess Li Yao finished speaking, she stared at Li Liuxiu to see her reaction, but saw that she shook her head.

Seeing that she was no longer able to give in, Princess Li Yao took a deep breath, put on a stern face, and said, "I am the younger sister of the current emperor. If my guards can't find me and report me to my sister, I will punish my entire clan."

"It's still not too late to release me now. For your sake as Prime Minister, I will not tell my sister about this for the time being!"

Li Liuxiu had a smile on his face, and he looked at the beauty in front of him with threats and inducements at ease.

Princess Li Yao looked at her unmoved, her heart sinking to the bottom. She wasn't afraid of robbers, because robbers would ask for something after capturing someone. What she feared most was a madman, who had no demands but to capture her.

Li Liuxiu suddenly stood up and approached. Princess Li Yao was shocked. Her eyes widened and she shouted, "Help! Help! Help! Someone is trying to kill me!"

Li Liuxiu pretended not to hear and raised her hand to gently caress the princess's face. Princess Li Yao was frightened by her and dared not scream anymore. She just shed tears and whispered, "No."

The author has something to say:

Emmm, actually, I don’t really want to write it this way, but since you guys want to read it, I’ll write it!!!