Northern Liang was wealthy, but unfortunately, during the reign of the late emperor, he neglected state affairs and the country was repeatedly neglected.
While presenting beauties to the late emperor, Xiao Heye used clever words and flattery to win the emperor's obedience.
On the one hand, they secretly formed cliques, engaged in corruption and bribery.
They did things like framing loyal and virtuous people and oppressing the common folk.
The late emperor was jealous. Although he loved Zhou Tingyue, he was afraid that his son's power and reputation would become too strong and threaten his own position.
First, they sent him to Qingyun Temple for a few years, ostensibly to let him cultivate his character.
Later, Zhou Tingyue was sent to study at Bowen Academy in Suzhou.
After Zhou Tingyue completed his studies and returned to the palace, the late emperor casually transferred him to a camp in the southern border region for further training.
The purpose behind everything the late emperor did was quite obvious: although the throne would eventually belong to Zhou Tingyue, he wanted to sit on it for a few more years.
The late emperor's personal wish was that no one would threaten his throne before he abdicated.
Therefore, over the years, Zhou Tingyue has had little influence in the court, and he can't rely on his mother, Empress Shen, at all.
The only person Zhou Tingyue can rely on is herself.
Fortunately, General Song Yunqian, who was guarding the southern border, had known Zhou Tingyue for many years and could be considered a trustworthy and close friend.
Zhou Tingyue has just ascended the throne, and this is a time of great turmoil.
Although Xiao Heye was polite to the new emperor on the surface, Zhou Tingyue knew in his heart that it was all just an act.
In Northern Liang, who doesn't know his ambition?
After Master Salo was brought into the palace, he used divination to calculate Zhou Ziqi's destiny.
Heavenly Fiend.
A very bad omen.
Clearly, Zhou Ziqi's destiny was extremely similar to that of the late Crown Prince.
Master Salo immediately reported back to the Emperor and Empress Dowager, urging them to make a decision as soon as possible.
The Northern Liang believed in the Way of Heaven and followed the will of Heaven.
This applies to the royal family, court officials, and common people alike.
Master Salo was deeply loved by the people, and everyone regarded his words as truth.
All of this only came to people's gradual realization after the incident involving the late emperor's crown prince.
From that time on, everyone loved to say that phrase.
"The will of Heaven cannot be defied."
*
When Xiao Heye returned from the morning court session, Su Tiyue had already been waiting for him at Yelan Pavilion for a long time.
Although the weather is getting warmer, a small stove is still burning in Yelan Pavilion.
Su Tiyue sat on the bench by the window, warming herself by the fire while waiting for him.
Xiao Heye entered the house, saw her, and his eyes lifted slightly.
She took off her moon-white crane cloak and then went to the washroom to wash her hands slowly.
When she came out, she was holding a dark gray handkerchief and repeatedly wiping her clean, white fingers dry.
He strode over to the bench where Su Tiyue was sitting, tapped the tip of her nose with his finger, and said in a lazy tone, "Your Majesty, you've come to my room so early. Did you miss me... or are you here to negotiate with me again?"
Negotiating terms?
What conditions should we discuss?
Was he thinking that Su Tiyue would try to negotiate with him every day and then let him do whatever he wanted?
Su Tiyue shook her head and said seriously, "I have something to ask Master Xiao."
"Oh?" Xiao Heye smiled, stretched out his long legs and sat down next to her, leaning his back slightly against the back of the bench, and beckoned to her with his finger: "Come here."
Su Tiyue: "Master Xiao... what does this mean?"
"Come here and let me hug you, otherwise I won't answer a single question."
He's getting more and more outrageous.
Xiao Heye seemed determined not to miss any opportunity to take advantage of her.
He was only after her beauty when he helped her a lot, and now he wants a hug just for answering a few questions?
Upon hearing this, Su Tiyue had no choice but to move closer to him.
Xiao Heye lowered his head, inhaled the fragrance of her hair, and then contentedly pulled her into his arms. "Your Majesty, please ask whatever you wish."
Su Tiyue asked, "Did you reach a conclusion during the morning court session this morning regarding Zhou Ziqi's matter?"
"Hmm?" Xiao Heye was somewhat surprised. He asked Su Tiyue, "Your Majesty, are you now interested in matters of the court?"
The rule that the imperial harem must not interfere in politics was established by the Northern Liang dynasty.
"This... this can be considered a matter of the inner palace, right? I heard that the Empress Dowager has also gotten involved in this matter."
Xiao Heye said, "Hmm, that makes sense. Your Majesty, Zhou Ziqi is having bad luck this time; he might have to be sent out of the palace."
"I've also heard a bit about Master Salo's prophecy. Does Master Xiao really believe in the concept of destiny?" Su Tiyue asked, leaning against him and biting her finger.
Xiao Heye curled the corners of his lips, his eyes lowered as he silently watched her bite her fingers, a tender emotion flowing in his eyes: "Master Salo's divination skills are divine and insightful, able to foresee the future. In Beiliang, everyone firmly believes in it. Does it matter whether I believe it or not?"
Su Tiyue nodded, her face clear and earnest, and said, "Of course it's important. Others may not care, but I care about what the Palm Seal thinks."
Xiao Heye lowered his head and smiled.
He actually quite liked hearing that.
“Your Majesty, of course I don’t believe in those things. Because… only the weak would blame their misfortunes and bad luck on the fate of others. They have no power to change the misfortunes that have already happened or are about to happen, so they find a legitimate reason to absolve themselves. And that reason is what Master Salo calls the will of Heaven.”
Xiao Heye continued, "All things in this world are in our own hands. Our destiny should be determined by our own hearts. The weak follow the will of heaven, but what if the strong... go against the will of heaven?"
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
