An hour later, as dawn broke, a torrential downpour suddenly began.
The heavy rain washed away the stench of blood from the Qiankun Palace and the city gates, leaving no trace of it, and the solemn and majestic palace regained its former mystery.
The capital city had returned to its bustling and lively state, with crowds thronging the streets. Li Yannian, having dealt with the prisoners in the suburbs, returned to his military camp with his men. With the affairs of state now stable, the person he was concerned about was Di Jinghan.
He stood before the tent, watching the soldiers training, his brow slightly furrowed. Every now and then, a soldier came to report that the Princess had arrived.
He shook his hand excitedly, his eyebrows beaming with joy: "Hurry up and invite him in!" As he spoke, he touched his hair, face, collar, and clothes, unaware that his current attire was inappropriate.
As he was anxious, the lively and beautiful princess walked in, dressed in a scarlet riding outfit. She was radiant and cheerful, with a slightly flushed face, perhaps from excitement.
"Ah... General Li!" Di Jinghan originally wanted to call him Anian, but there were many people around and she felt a little uncomfortable, so she quickly changed her address.
Li Yannian heard the voice of the person he admired and thought it was extremely pleasant to hear. He no longer worried about his clothes and hurriedly went to greet her.
"Your humble servant greets the Princess! What brings you here, Princess?" Li Yannian blushed with excitement, but he regretted his question as soon as he asked it. What was he asking?
The young soldier beside him tactfully left, and Di Jinghan feigned displeasure with a smile, saying, "What, aren't you welcome?"
Li Yannian was terrified and quickly waved his hands, saying, "No, no, I'm overjoyed to see the princess! However, the princess is of noble status, so it should be I who go to see her."
"That's more like it!" Di Jinghan had a beautiful smile, with bright eyes and white teeth, and her beautiful eyes reflected Li Yannian's handsome figure.
"Today I am going to the palace to report on my duties. When I see Your Majesty, I would like to ask for a favor." Li Yannian felt as sweet as if he had eaten honey. He looked at the beautiful face in front of him with affection, filled with endless longing and love.
"What?" Di Jinghan stepped forward and took his rough hand in hers, gently touching it.
"Your Majesty, I would like to request that you grant us a marriage. I wonder if the princess would be willing?" Li Yannian looked at her somewhat nervously.
Di Jinghan recalled the words her elder brother had once spoken to her. After much thought, she felt it was still somewhat hasty. Moreover, with her second elder brother on the verge of death, she did not wish to marry for the time being.
Seeing her somewhat troubled expression, Li Yannian grasped her shoulders with both hands and said nervously, "Jinghan, are you unwilling? We weren't like this before on the frontier... Don't worry, I will treat you well, treat you well for the rest of my life, love you forever, and never take a concubine."
The emperor's son-in-law was not allowed to take concubines or younger wives.
Di Jinghan gently brushed his hands away, walked to the side, and her earlier excitement had faded. She spoke softly, "A-Nian, can we wait a little longer? You know, a lot has happened in the palace right now, and my second brother is still..."
Upon hearing this, Li Yannian was instantly filled with self-reproach. Wasn't he putting her in a difficult position? Prince Yuan's life was in danger, the Empress was about to give birth, and there was turmoil in the palace. She must be in a bad mood.
His heart ached terribly. He stepped forward and took her small hand hanging by her side, saying gently, "It's my fault. I'm sorry. Jinghan, I will always wait for you. Whenever you're willing, we'll get married."
Di Jinghan nodded slightly. She needed to verify whether the person in front of her was truly reliable. It wasn't that she didn't trust him; she simply needed assurance when making decisions.
In the palace, during the morning court session, Emperor Jingcheng issued an edict to execute Yang Mingyue, Liu Xinqi, and all the important generals of the two countries, and dispatched envoys to Beixiang and Dongyang to annex them into Xijing. The civil and military officials sent were all virtuous and loyal ministers, and Li Yan volunteered to go to Beixiang.
One more military officer was needed to go to Dongyang, and Emperor Jingcheng called out Li Yannian's name in a deep voice. However, he was in the military camp preparing his troops and did not attend court. Emperor Jingcheng then issued an edict to appoint him.
In the afternoon, Li Yannian entered the palace with the Emperor's decree, accompanied by the Eldest Princess. This news instantly spread throughout the court and the capital. Everyone said that General Li was about to become a member of the imperial family, with limitless potential.
Emperor Jingcheng was aware of this matter. He listened quietly as Li Yannian finished his report, nodded in satisfaction, bestowed some rewards upon him, and then asked him if he desired any further rewards.
Li Yannian did not mention the matter of the bestowed marriage, which surprised Emperor Jingcheng.
“Li Yannian, I thought you would ask me to grant you a marriage with the Princess.”
Li Yannian gently shook his head: "Your Majesty, I dare to say that I do indeed love the Princess and cannot live without her. However, I will always put the Princess's wishes first."
Di Jingcheng smiled: "Jinghan is unwilling?" He remembered how excited she was when she came to ask him for a marriage a few months ago.
Li Yannian didn't know how to reply and fell silent for a moment. Realizing something, he quickly apologized, "Your Majesty, please forgive me."
"It's alright. I only have one sister, and naturally I hope she can marry someone who loves and protects her wholeheartedly. However, you serve the country and have no fixed abode. Can Jinghan endure the pain of separation and longing? If she, a princess of noble birth, were to accompany you to the frontier and suffer for a long time, would you be willing to do so? There are still many unresolved issues between you two." Emperor Jingcheng spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with complex emotions as he looked at Li Yannian.
"Your Majesty, I understand. Thank you for your guidance!" Li Yannian seemed to have gained some clarity. He realized that there were indeed many things about him that couldn't put Jinghan's mind at ease. His troublesome family was also a major concern; he had been too naive.
"Go down. This journey takes you far to Dongyang. Be careful in everything you do."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave." Li Yannian walked out with his thoughts in his mind. The floor outside was still wet, just like his damp mood.
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