After the banquet, Jiang Zhixu did not return to the post station like everyone else, but went to meet Jiang Linlin alone.

When Jiang Zhixu arrived at Yuanbo Pavilion, he saw Jiang Linlin lying leisurely on the chaise longue, holding a book "The Way of Being a King" in her hand, reading it with great interest.

A gentle breeze blew by, and Jiang Zhixu's thoughts were suddenly pulled back to his time in Kyoto.

She was like this at that time, always looking lazy, as if she had no interest in anything in the world.

Jiang Zhixu stared at the beautiful figure in a daze, feeling a surge of emotion. Time had flown by, and now she was no longer the lazy woman she once was, but a queen ruling the world. And he, a hero who had once fought on the battlefield, was about to become her empress.

Jiang Zhixu just stared at Jiang Linlin quietly for a long time without saying a word. Only when Jiang Linlin's patience was worn out by him did her emotionless eyes slowly turn to look at him.

Jiang Zhixu woke up as if from a dream and hurriedly bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty, may you be well. Jiang Zhixu greets you."

Jiang Linlin put the book aside, her voice still cold: "Get up, what brings you to see me today?"

Jiang Zhixu stood up, bowed his head and stood aside to answer:

"The Kingdom of Li still has many loyal ministers and generals who are devoted to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will accept them."

"That's natural. I welcome talented and ambitious people."

Jin Linlin said confidently that she would never bury talented people.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I thank you on their behalf."

Jiang Zhixu quickly bowed to express his gratitude, and admired Jin Linlin's broad-mindedness.

"No need. Since Li will become the territory of Shangjin, then the people of Li will also be the people of Shangjin. I will naturally love them like my own children."

Jin Linlin's tone was firm and gentle, as if she was assuring Jiang Zhixu that she would treat the people of Li well.

Hearing this, Jiang Zhixu felt a little relieved. He knew that Jin Linlin was a far-sighted monarch who attached great importance to the welfare of the people.

"Your Majesty, I have another favor to ask of you." Jiang Zhixu hesitated for a moment, but decided to speak.

Jin Linlin raised her eyes, her gaze was as cold as a star, yet with a hint of inquiry.

"But it's okay."

Jiang Zhixu took a deep breath and calmed himself down:

"The Shangjin Kingdom has an army of over 100,000. Your Majesty, can you simply reorganize them and continue to trust them as always?"

Jin Linlin chuckled, seemingly not surprised by Jiang Zhixu's question:

"I am not a bloodthirsty person. As long as they behave themselves, I will not make things difficult for them."

Jiang Zhixu felt relieved upon hearing this. He bowed again and expressed his gratitude.

"Your Majesty is wise and wise. I thank you on their behalf."

Jin Linlin looked at Jiang Zhixu, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, revealing a faint smile, but there was a hint of ridicule in her tone:

"General Jiang is so concerned about the affairs of the Kingdom of Li. Could it be that he still misses his old country?"

Jiang Zhixu knelt down hurriedly and said frankly:

"Your Majesty is wise and powerful. The Shang and Jin Kingdoms will surely prosper. Now that I have surrendered, I will serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly, seeking only to bring benefit to the people, regardless of whether the old kingdom or the new dynasty is in existence."

Jin Linlin nodded with satisfaction:

"Get up, I trust you. From now on, I will have to trouble Jiang Qing to take care of the harem."

Jiang Zhixu slowly stood up, his face flushed slightly, like the sunset glow on the horizon. He lowered his head and replied softly:

"I will definitely live up to your Majesty's trust."

Jiang Linlin sat upright on the dragon throne, her eyes as calm as water, yet seemingly unfathomable. She stared at Jiang Zhixu and said slowly:

"After the enthronement ceremony in twenty days, you will be my queen. From now on, you must behave like a queen and do not bring shame upon the royal family."

Jiang Zhixu felt a mixture of emotions as he listened to Jiang Linlin's words. He knew that he had become the Queen not because of Jiang Linlin's affection for him, but because of the power of the Li Kingdom behind him.

However, what could he do? He could only respond silently:

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will abide by my duties."

Jiang Linlin sneered, and the laughter echoed in the empty hall, making people feel cold. She said coldly:

"It is better this way. I chose you as my queen simply because I value the power of your Li Kingdom. Do not try to gain my favor."

Jiang Zhixu felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if someone had cut him with a knife. He bit his lip tightly, trying not to let his emotions show.

He took a deep breath, suppressed the bitterness in his heart, and replied respectfully: "I dare not."

Jiang Linlin seemed dissatisfied with his answer. She waved her hand and responded impatiently:

"Go back and prepare, don't miss the enthronement ceremony later."

When Jiang Zhixu Ru was pardoned, he bowed hurriedly and then slowly left Yuanbo Pavilion.

When he walked out of the pavilion, it was already late at night. He looked up at the palace, which was still brightly lit, and his heart was filled with helplessness and bitterness.

From this moment on, he will be bound within these red walls, struggling to survive in this palace as deep as the sea.

Chunxue stared at Jiang Zhixu's receding figure and said to Jin Linlin thoughtfully:

"Your Majesty, it seems that Mr. Jiang still has some lingering feelings for you."

Jin Linlin raised the corner of her mouth slightly, revealing a cold smile, and responded nonchalantly:

"So what if I still have feelings for him? He's just a pawn I use to consolidate my power."

Her tone was cold and resolute, as if she had no attachment to Jiang Zhixu. Then, she slowly said:

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