Chapter 53
Because of the intense gaze, Sang Yu's smiling eyes followed the line of sight and met Ling Wu's gentle gaze.
The current empress is gentle and benevolent, the Qi Dynasty is prosperous and the people are wealthy, and even under the emperor's nose, doors are left unlocked at night.
Sang Yu knew how difficult it was to seize power in this grand occasion, but she couldn't bring herself to give it up. It was only with Lu Chengfeng's permission, and with Sang Lingwu's wholehearted devotion to Lu Chengfeng at the time, that Sang Yu saw hope.
When their eyes met, Sang Yulian's bright eyes were somewhat stunned.
She knew she was beautiful, otherwise she wouldn't have been praised as the most beautiful woman in the Qi Dynasty, but at first glance today, she knew she was completely inferior to her elder sister.
The tender affection in those eyes momentarily satisfied her heart, not to mention his stunningly beautiful face.
It was at this moment that Sang Yu suddenly realized why she was the most beautiful woman in the Qi Dynasty.
That's because no one dares to speak ill of the Empress!
"What are your thoughts on the Quanrong's request for peace?" Lingwu slowly curved her lips into a smile.
When Sang Yu heard Ling Wu call her by her childhood name, she snapped out of her reverie and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I think it is inappropriate."
The court fell silent instantly, and they heard the gentle yet dignified Empress at the head of the table say calmly, "Is that so?"
Although he showed no emotion, he still sent chills down the spines of the court officials.
Sang Yu's forehead was also damp with sweat, but he still explained respectfully, "The Rong barbarians are ambitious and will never give up easily. The best policy is to eliminate future troubles. Moreover, our dynasty has a strong army and is not afraid of war!"
Lingwu propped her arm up against her face, looking down lazily at the kneeling courtiers. The sleeve of her black phoenix robe slipped down, revealing a section of her snow-white jade arm.
Sang Yu looked up and saw the beauty tilting her head and smiling gently; her fair skin was more delicate than any man she had ever seen.
But the coldness hidden in those gentle eyes instantly brought her back to her senses.
Ling Wu withdrew her elbow, looked down at her for a moment, and then said after a long while, "What A Yu said makes some sense."
Upon hearing this, Sang Yu herself didn't realize that her heartstrings had loosened slightly.
The ministers who accompanied Sang Yutong also showed some joy on their faces.
Before they could even second their opinion, Ling Wu spoke up again: "What does the Left Prime Minister think?"
The Left Prime Minister was Xi Ruoyu's mother, and she was an upright and incorruptible person.
Upon hearing Ling Wu call her name, Xi Jiuqin raised her head, her eyes filled with amazement, but she quickly regained her usual solemn and composed demeanor.
"I think it is acceptable."
In the imperial court, the two factions stood separately, clearly distinct.
One faction insisted on not seeking peace with the Quanrong and vowed to exterminate them; the other faction, like Xi Jiuqin, strongly advised seeking peace.
"Oh?" Ling Wu glanced at the reactions of all the court officials, most of whom showed expressions of agreement.
It seems that these court officials have not yet submitted to the emperor.
Xi Jiuqin took a deep breath, his upright demeanor softened by a hint of reluctance. "Although the Quanrong were the ones who first launched the attack, countless soldiers of our dynasty have also sacrificed their lives for them, and the people on the border have been forced to flee their homes. It is a good thing that the Quanrong are seeking peace at this time. In this way, we will neither tarnish the prestige of our dynasty, nor harm our interests, nor hurt our people and soldiers."
"Moreover, as far as I know, the Quanrong are harassing the border because the land is barren, the weather is getting colder after the autumn rains, and winter is approaching. They have no choice but to do this because they are starving. If our dynasty can lend a helping hand, the Quanrong may become a great help to our dynasty!"
"Your humble servant seconds this!" echoed a courtier beside him.
Then one after another, officials stepped forward.
The remaining few were courtiers following behind Sang Yu, but under these circumstances, they all showed some hesitation.
Ling Wu remained silent, but a hint of warmth appeared in Xi Jiuqin's expression.
Upon seeing this, everyone understood what Ling Wu meant.
Sang Yu's hand, hidden beneath her sleeve, slowly clenched. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, she stepped forward, bowed, and said, "The Left Prime Minister's considerations are thorough; it was I who was narrow-minded." Her tone was sincere, showing no sign of displeasure.
Ling Wu then revealed a look of relief, her smile deepening, "In that case, this matter will be entirely entrusted to the Left Prime Minister."
"Your humble servant obeys the decree." Xi Jiuqin breathed a long sigh of relief.
His Majesty is still the same His Majesty.
After the court session, Lingwu glanced at Sangyu meaningfully and, sure enough, noticed a hint of resentment on her face, and couldn't help but chuckle.
In my memory, Sang Yu admired Sang Lingwu a lot when she was young, otherwise she wouldn't have learned some of Sang Lingwu's gentleness.
Unfortunately, that innocent and trusting face gradually became tainted with false gentleness and ambition.
"Ayu," Lingwu suddenly called out to her.
Sang Yu turned her head, "Royal Sister?"
Ling Wu pursed her lips slightly, softening her voice, "Mid-Autumn Festival is in a few days, don't forget to come to the palace a day in advance."
Sang Yu paused for a moment, then lowered her head and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The day before the Mid-Autumn Festival was the anniversary of the death of Sang Lingwu's father. However, out of consideration for his family, her father did not want to bring any bad luck to this day of family reunion, so he left an imperial edict before his death that there was no need to mourn him every year.
Therefore, every year on the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival, the entire palace is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, but Sang Lingwu always stays alone.
And Sang Lingwu and Sang Yu never had a Mid-Autumn Festival get-together again.
Sang Yu remained where she was, gazing at Ling Wu's graceful figure, lost in thought.
As soon as Sang Yu stepped out of the Golden Palace, Xi Jiuqin, who had been waiting, walked towards her.
However, Sang Yu did not maintain her previous gentle and polite demeanor, and her tone became somewhat sarcastic: "Yesterday, Consort Lan intercepted the Emperor's carriage, and today the Left Prime Minister has made quite a splash. I imagine the threshold of the Left Prime Minister's residence will be worn down in the coming days."
Xi Jiuqin did not argue with her, but instead earnestly advised Sang Yu: "Your Majesty has shown compassion for both me and my son, but in comparison, Your Majesty cares more about the bond between brothers. Your Highness, it is not too late to turn back from your misguided ways."
Sang Yu remained silent for a moment, but ultimately left without saying a word!
Xi Jiuqin frowned slightly as she watched her leave.
She had watched His Highness and His Majesty grow up, but that was all she could say for now.
His Majesty is kind-hearted, but his hands are not soft.
The late summer heat was oppressive, but thankfully, a night of continuous cold rain brought some comfort.
Jingchun glanced at the sky and reminded him, "It is currently the time for Your Majesty to dine... Jingzhe from Weiyang Palace is still waiting outside."
Ling Wu raised an eyebrow and glanced at her, but did not get up. Instead, she leaned back lazily, her original gentleness turning into a pool of spring water, making Jing Chun's face flush.
"And him?"
Jing Chun quickly composed himself and carefully chose his words, "Last night, Lu Chengfeng was punished by the Imperial Noble Consort and made to kneel all night. Early this morning, he was carried to the Yongxiang Palace."
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