Chapter 70 Only I am worthy of the slightly cool lips that gently cover hers...
Before arriving at Kunning Palace, Jiang Cichen went to Xuanzheng Hall to report. As soon as he entered the hall, he saw Prince Sheng standing at ease before the emperor, discussing state affairs with Emperor Yun.
When King Sheng saw him come in, he even asked about the battle in Yinan City in a very kind manner, as if it was not him who had sent troops to encircle and suppress the enemy in the mountains and forests before.
Jiang Cichen remained calm. He first bowed to Emperor Yun, then bowed slightly to Prince Sheng and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am safe and sound."
Prince Sheng narrowed his eyes and said softly, "As long as you are safe and sound."
Afterwards, Emperor Yun summoned his ministers to discuss the next direction and method of attack. In the past few years, Yun State had lost several cities in a row, and such losses naturally needed to be recouped.
A minister said, "Your Majesty, I believe we should first march our troops to the northern kingdom. The cities we lost previously are still in the northern kingdom's hands. Our soldiers are most familiar with the local terrain. Recovering the lost territory will surely boost morale and be more effective in the battle."
As soon as he finished speaking, someone objected, "How strong are the Northern Kingdom's troops? How strong are ours? In every battle in the past, we were beaten back step by step. The soldiers are still in fear of the Northern Kingdom's army. Your Majesty, I think we should attack Xiliang first. With the great victory in the battle of Nancheng, the morale of the soldiers is high. Why not take advantage of this victory and pursue them?"
Lord Cheng said, "Western Liang is vast and sparsely populated, and its cities are far less prosperous than those of the Northern Kingdom. Taking three cities in Western Liang is less effective than taking one city in the Northern Kingdom. Furthermore, it's unclear whether the Yun Kingdom's soldiers fear the Northern Kingdom's soldiers or a certain figure within the Northern Kingdom's army."
Lord Zhang said, "Lord Cheng is absolutely right. If we waste too much time and manpower fighting Xiliang, it will be unprofitable. Moreover, Governor Jiang is quite familiar with the Northern Kingdom's tactics, which is also the key to victory."
It was common for the ministers to argue endlessly. Emperor Yun usually let them finish their arguments before speaking. But today, he broke his habit and spoke before they finished their argument: "I have said that if Chen'er wins this battle, he will be reinstated as General Lingyun."
This position was bestowed upon Jiang Cichen by the Emperor of Yun when he first arrived in Yun Kingdom. However, the ministers at that time opposed it, believing that a person who had never made any contribution to Yun Kingdom was not worthy of the position of a second-rank general. That was why Jiang Cichen later captured Weizhou City without a single soldier to prove his strength.
Now that we have won a great victory in the battle of Nancheng, the ministers have no reason to oppose it anymore.
Lord Zhang immediately bowed and smiled flatteringly, saying, "General Lingyun is quite familiar with the Northern Kingdom. I believe that if General Lingyun is willing to lead the troops there, a great victory will surely be achieved."
"I second the motion."
Several ministers bowed in agreement.
Emperor Yun rubbed his forehead and said, "General Lingyun, what do you think?"
Jiang Cichen raised his eyebrows. Wasn’t this the moment he had been waiting for?
The secular principle of "if the king wants his subjects to die, the subjects must die" does not apply to him. The Jiang family can die for the Northern Kingdom and for the people of the Northern Kingdom, but they must not bear the eternal infamy and die unjustly because of Bei Yeji's selfish desires.
Killing loyal and good people, befriending treacherous and flatterers, and fabricating lies are the actions of a tyrant.
Since Beiye Ji is not worthy of being emperor, there is no need for him to be one anymore.
Jiang Cichen bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to do so."
Prince Sheng, standing by, curled his lips almost imperceptibly. Jiang Cichen leaving Yunjing was exactly what he wanted.
Soon, the preliminary plan was decided. More important decisions naturally had to wait until the morning court, so Emperor Yun asked all the ministers to leave.
As Jiang Cichen followed the crowd of ministers out of the Xuanzheng Hall, the eunuch beside Emperor Yun bent over and stopped him, saying, "His Majesty said that the Empress was so happy to hear that you were coming back today that he told you not to forget to visit her before leaving the palace."
Jiang Cichen said: "Of course I will go."
I still remember the feeling when I first entered Kunning Palace. Jiang Cichen was wondering how similar the queen would be to his mother.
But when he really arrived at Kunning Palace, before he could even see the queen's appearance, the queen hugged him and started crying.
All the servants around were dismissed, leaving only Nanny Cuiyin, who also started crying.
Jiang Cichen left the Xuanzheng Hall and only saw Xie Yan and Chen Nanyuan outside the hall, but there was no sign of Luo Wan.
He couldn't help but frown, but before he could speak, Xie Yan predicted it first and said, "The Queen has called him away."
Jiang Cichen went straight to Kunning Palace.
Hearing that General Lingyun was coming, several palace maids who were doing odd jobs ran to the yard, picked up brooms, and pretended to sweep the yard, but their eyes involuntarily drifted towards the tall and stern figure.
Nanny Cuiyin was the head maidservant beside the Queen. She was rarely seen guarding outside the palace. Jiang Cichen guessed that Luo Wan must still be inside.
He never needed an announcement to enter Kunning Palace. This was a privilege granted to him by the Empress. She found those red tape troublesome, and he accepted it calmly in the past because he thought it was easier.
But this time, he hated himself for having this honor.
Otherwise, he would not have heard the Queen's proposal to Luo Wan at the door, and he would not have heard Luo Wan's words clearly and completely, "I dare not sully the governor's reputation and damage the dignity of the royal family."
If the poetry and martial arts competition had left him feeling strangely irritated, then at this moment, these words were like a blunt knife, cutting into his heart, unleashing a long and tangible pain.
Jiang Cichen's face was gloomy and he pushed open the door of the palace.
The first thing that caught my eye was the small figure kneeling on the ground, looking particularly frail.
There was no moment more than now that made him want to pull her up, press her down on the chair, hold her in front of him, and ask her why.
He forced himself to look away and saluted the person on the couch: "Grandmother."
The scent of sandalwood filled the air in the hall, but he could only smell the blood boiling in his chest.
When the queen saw him coming, she immediately smiled and said, "Chen'er, please sit down."
Luo Wanfu knelt on the ground and felt a shadow passing by her right side, carrying a familiar cold breath. Then the pearwood chair beside her made a slight sound of bearing weight.
A penetrating gaze fixed on Luo Wan, almost burning her through.
In Luo Wan's world, everything around her was silent, except for the intermittent sound of Jiang Cichen's slender fingers tapping on the armrest, which was depressing and suffocating.
The queen said at the right moment: "You go down first."
Luo Wan stood up, lowered her head and retreated. The sound of knocking on the armrests of the wooden chair disappeared, replaced by the queen's laughter.
Everyone had left Kunning Palace, but Jiang Cichen still hadn't taken his eyes off her.
She really doesn't care at all.
The Queen had been observing people's expressions in the palace for so many years, how could such thoughts be hidden from her? She picked up the teacup, took a slow sip, and asked leisurely, "You really don't like it?"
Jiang Cichen said calmly, "I don't like it."
The Queen smiled slightly and put down the teacup. "That's good. I like you very much. You should stay in the palace to serve me and gain experience. After two years, I will find a reliable guard to marry you."
Jiang Cichen said calmly, "Whatever."
"Cuiyin." The queen called out.
Cuiyin responded and went inside.
The Queen seemed to suddenly remember something and said, "A few days ago, at the palace banquet, the wife of the Minister of Justice asked me to arrange a marriage for her son. There was also an assassin at the banquet, and he was the first to rush forward to catch the assassin. He was handsome and about the same age as the girl."
Jiang Cichen's fingertips tapped the armrest unconsciously, but he didn't notice it. However, the Queen and Nanny Cuiyin saw it clearly.
He snorted and laughed, "You've only met these two people once, and you're arranging a marriage for them?"
The Queen smiled and said, "I am bored in this deep palace, so I want to bring some young people together."
Jiang Cichen's tone was still lazy: "Your trick works on secluded young ladies, but it won't work on her. You also know that she is a person of the underworld. People of the underworld are most free-spirited and don't like to be restricted. You are just doing the opposite."
The Queen said, "Chen'er, the Grandmother wants to tell you that you cannot keep a woman by your side without any status or status."
*
For some reason, Luo Wan, who should have breathed a sigh of relief after leaving, felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on her heart, making it difficult for her to breathe.
She followed the palace maid who led the way to the palace gate and met Xie Yan and Chen Nanyuan who were waiting for her.
After getting on the carriage, Chen Nanyuan was the first to ask, unable to contain his curiosity, "Miss Luo, what did the Queen tell you?"
Luo Wan paused and said calmly, "They asked about my identity, probably because I'm not an ordinary citizen."
They both knew that Luo Wan was from Tingyu Tower, the owner of the tower and the boss of the killer organization.
With such an identity, anyone would seem to be worried, but they didn't realize it. They even gradually got used to it and almost forgot about it now.
Xie Yan asked in confusion: "Gone?" That shouldn't be the case.
Luo Wan asked back: "What else do you hope for?"
Let's stop here.
The carriage finally stopped in front of a majestic mansion with tall and wide red gates and a plaque with the three characters "Lingyun General's Mansion" written in a vigorous and powerful manner.
The housekeeper knew they were coming back, so he cleaned the room in advance, and a maid led Luo Wan to her room.
The room was decorated elegantly and uniquely. Luo Wan looked around silently.
The maid skillfully prepared a cup of hot tea for her and offered it to her with both hands: "Miss, please have some tea."
"Thanks."
The maid smiled and said, "Miss, my name is Qiao'er, and I am your maid. During the time you are in the general's mansion, I will take care of your food, clothing, and daily life."
When Luo Wan heard this, he choked on a mouthful of tea and started coughing violently.
Qiao'er didn't know what she said to make her master like this. She was suddenly very panicked and took a handkerchief to wipe the water stains from the corner of Luo Wan's mouth.
Luo Wan stood up from the stool, avoided her hand, and walked out of the house. Qiao'er hurriedly followed him out.
Luo Wan finally found the butler in the garden and called him, "Butler."
The butler stopped what he was doing and hurried over to greet her: "What do you want, young lady?"
Luo Wan said solemnly, "Thank you for your kindness, but I don't need any maid." She recalled the maid's name and said, "Take Qiao'er back with you."
The housekeeper thought she was afraid of bothering others, so he smiled and said, "She was originally a maid in the mansion. The master is busy with affairs, so she was transferred to serve you. Master Xie also has a servant who runs errands, so you don't have to be polite."
Qiao'er finally caught up, panting, twisting her handkerchief in her hands, fearing that she would anger her master and be punished.
Luo Wan said without hesitation: "I, a wicked woman, have been in the martial arts world for a long time. I have killed many people and have countless enemies. The last maid who served me was sought after by my enemies and died a miserable death."
She paused slightly, turned around, and looked straight at Qiao'er: "If you think your life is too long, you can just follow me."
Seeing Luo Wan's serious tone and the aura around her, not to mention that she was someone Jiang Cichen brought back from the battlefield, the housekeeper and Qiao'er couldn't help but believe it.
There was no need for her to fabricate rumors just to drive away a maid.
Qiao'er could still distinguish between punishment and death, and she looked at the housekeeper.
The housekeeper continued smiling and said, "Since the young lady finds it troublesome, then transfer Qiao'er back to the greenhouse."
*
Before the palace gate was locked, Jiang Cichen was about to leave the palace when he happened to see Crown Prince Xiao Ce who had just come out of Xuan Zheng Hall.
Xiao Ce smiled when he saw him and said, "I severely reported Prince Sheng to my father."
"it works?"
Xiao Ce said, "It's useless. He is a very cautious person and has already prepared all possible solutions for various situations."
Jiang Cichen had anticipated this, and he was not surprised when Xiao Ce said this.
In fact, when he first arrived in Yun Kingdom, he had no intention of standing on any side. He was not interested in that. He had only one goal, which was to take revenge and take the heads of Bei Yeji and Gu Sihan.
Perhaps because Xiao Qing and Xiao Ce were born of the same mother, Prince Sheng automatically assigned him to the side of the Crown Prince, and Prince Sheng was the secret manipulator of the Nancheng group.
Xiao Ce added, "Come to the East Palace to play tomorrow. Your brother has just learned to walk and is so wobbly. It's fun to watch him."
The "brother" Jiang Cichen he mentioned was his one-year-old son.
Although Xiao Ce and his sister Xiao Qing were born of the same mother, they were very different in age. When he was old enough to remember things, Xiao Qing was already able to wield a sword and ride a horse, looking very heroic.
Jiang Cichen showed no interest in this and said calmly, "I have no interest in children, nor do I have the patience."
"Then what are you interested in? What do you have patience for?" Xiao Ce raised an eyebrow and asked, "To the woman you brought back?"
Jiang Cichen was silent for a moment before he said, "She has nothing to do with me."
Xiao Ce teased, "Do you think everyone else is blind? Ah Tiao told me everything."
"say what?"
"Hold her hand and ask her if she's hurt." Xiao Ce said, "If you really like her, let the Queen Mother grant you marriage."
Jiang Cichen frowned and recalled that it was his subconscious reaction when they were trying to avoid King Sheng's men.
"Forget it." His eyes were deep.
"Why?" Xiao Ce didn't understand.
Jiang Cichen looked up at the sky. The moon had already risen completely, and it was extremely cold. He spoke with a desolate tone: "She doesn't want to."
She didn't want to, and she didn't care. She only cared about Shen Zhiyan's life or death.
Xiao Ce was shocked when he heard this. He thought that the woman stayed with Jiang Cichen because she liked him, otherwise why would she be willing to stay with someone who was not related to her.
Could it be that... He glanced at Jiang Cichen from the side. He really looked like someone who could do such a thing. He thought, "You've already imprisoned her by your side, and you still don't care whether she's willing or not."
But if it was really a robbery as he thought, Jiang Cichen would not refuse the proposal of marriage?
The relationship between these two people instantly left Xiao Ce confused.
He changed his mind and realized that not all women in the world are trapped in love. There are also women with lofty ambitions. Perhaps she has her own ambitions and persistence.
Thinking of this, Xiao Ce sighed helplessly and said, "Since ancient times, heroes have been unable to resist the temptation of beauty. Let alone finding someone prettier than her, it's still easy to find you someone who is well-educated, well-mannered and considerate. As for people, it's easy to forget the old ones when new ones come."
Jiang Cichen said, "In this life, there doesn't have to be two people."
"If you wait for girls to ask you for everything, you're doomed to live a lonely life." Xiao Ce took Jiang Cichen's shoulder and said, "If you're a man, you should do everything you can to win over the woman you like. Uncle will teach you a trick..."
*
The current General Lingyun Mansion was once Princess Xiao Qing’s Mansion.
The most indispensable part for Jiang Cichen to return to Yun Country was meeting Xiao Ce.
Until he entered the palace and met the emperor and empress.
Then he went to Princess Xiao Qing's mansion and saw her portrait, as well as the letters she exchanged with Jiang Shu when she was in Yun Country, and confirmed that it was the handwriting of her father Jiang Shu.
I pieced together my parents' past bit by bit from the letters, and it seemed as if I could touch upon a vague childhood that I never truly had, in which I was raised by my parents. Only then did I gradually accept my mother's identity.
When Jiang Cichen stepped into the mansion, he only saw Xie Yan and Chen Nanyuan in the courtyard, but that person was missing.
She didn't wait for him.
Outside the window, pear blossoms were in full bloom, fluttering like snow. Hearing a familiar movement outside, Luo Wan knew without hesitation who had returned.
Soon, the voices gradually died down, but the wind was still blowing loudly, and a few pear blossoms floated in, swirling.
The door was only ajar when it was pushed open by the wind. Luo Wan stood up and was about to close it when he caught a glimpse of a swift figure passing over the wall.
Just as she closed the door, the figure suddenly climbed in through the window.
A strong wind suddenly blew up beside him, and Luo Wan dodged it.
In the darkness, the two exchanged several moves in an instant.
For some reason, even though she hadn't done anything today, Luo Wan felt exhausted, both physically and mentally, and retired early. She had no desire to fight anymore. She parried his attack and whispered, "Jiang Cichen."
The shadow stopped.
The two moved to the window, and the hazy moonlight shone through the window lattice. Jiang Cichen could see her appearance clearly. She was wearing a plain white inner dress, and her long, soft black hair was scattered on her shoulders.
Jiang Cichen watched her bend down to light the oil lamp, a strand of long hair slipped from her shoulder. His limbs made a decision faster than his brain, and he quickly gathered the strand of hair.
The fire illuminated the area. Luo Wan straightened up and Jiang Cichen let go of his hand.
Luo Wan raised his eyes and asked him, "What do you want to talk to me about?"
This entire mansion belongs to him. Luo Wan doesn't understand why he doesn't go through the main gate but insists on climbing over the wall and through the window.
Thick eyelashes cast a small shadow on her face, and Jiang Cichen's prepared words suddenly faltered. He wanted to question her, but in the end, he said nonchalantly, "I'm here to remind you, remember to be careful of Prince Sheng in Yunjing."
After the encirclement in the mountains, Luo Wan naturally saw that Prince Sheng and Jiang Cichen were not on good terms, but Prince Sheng did not direct his spearhead at the prince. Instead, he went to great lengths to deal with Jiang Cichen. It was really hard to understand.
Luo Wan felt that if she were King Sheng, she would definitely not be like this and would definitely try her best to win over the person in front of her.
But not everyone is like her. Having died once and been reborn again, she knows the outcome of certain things. How could King Sheng know who would win in the end? He only knew that Jiang Cichen stood on the side of the prince, the opposite of him.
Luo Wan nodded: "You must be careful of him too. I could see that he was very hostile towards you during that time in the forest."
Jiang Cichen curled his lips and smiled: "Worried about me?"
Luo Wan saw his initially gloomy expression suddenly brighten. She said, "I don't want my allies to die midway through their endeavors."
Jiang Cichen said: "Prince Sheng wants that position, but that position will never be his."
Luo Wan always felt strange when these words came out of Jiang Cichen's mouth, as if he could taste another meaning from them.
Luo Wan asked, "Didn't you explain to the Emperor what he did in the forest?"
Jiang Cichen said leisurely, "What good will it do if I tell him? First, there's no witness, and second, there's no physical evidence. It will only make me look like the party and government are smearing my uncle. I'm weak in Yunjing, so there's no need to confront him head-on. All he wants is for me not to return to Yunjing."
Luo Wan asked, "When will we leave Yunjing?"
Jiang Cichen asked meaningfully, "In your opinion, when should we leave Yunjing?"
In her opinion, the sooner the better.
It would be best if we could flatten the capital city tomorrow and take down Beiye Ji's dog head to prevent future troubles.
Luo Wan's gaze left the oil lamp and returned to Jiang Cichen's face. She spoke word by word, "The sooner the better."
Jiang Cichen picked up the pear blossoms that fell on the table, played with them with his fingertips, and looked at him with a playful look: "Okay. But it will take at least half a month. The ministers have to go to visit them."
For such a major undertaking as an expedition, the emperor must first be informed, and then the ministers must discuss the plan. Logistics on the front lines must also be properly coordinated. Once everything is ready, the final step is to go to war.
Suddenly, Luo Wan saw the light on the desk swaying gently, and then a warm knuckle brushed against the tip of her ear.
He gently pinned the pear blossom on her temples.
Jiang Cichen looked at it for a moment and smiled with satisfaction.
Luo Wan frowned, her tone becoming a bit fierce: "Jiang Cichen, do you know what happened to the last person who dared to wear a flower in my hair?"
Jiang Cichen raised his eyebrows: "What will happen?"
Luo Wan said: "I lied to him and killed the person he loved most with my own hands."
Jiang Cichen disagreed with her words and shook his head: "If he's not bad enough, you should chop off his hand." He leaned forward slightly and added, "In this world, I am the only one who deserves to be your hairpin."
He moved an inch closer, their breaths mingling, their eyes reflecting each other's features. Luo Wan stared at him intently, determined that he wouldn't dare to go even a little further.
I gave you time to back off.
The next moment, the slightly cool lips gently covered hers, like a dragonfly touching the water, and separated in an instant.
The atmosphere suddenly heated up.
"Jiang Cichen!" Luo Wan stood up suddenly.
"Good night." Someone chuckled and left through the window.
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The author has something to say: I wish all the little cuties a happy Qixi Festival in advance～～～Happy every day～～～
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