Gu Qianxue stared intently at the empty Empress's seat beside Li Zhiyan, her eyes filled with undisguised jealousy.
Because of resentment in his heart, he clenched his fists tightly, and his fingernails drew blood from the force.
Her lips drooped, her round eyes glared angrily, and she thought to herself, "..."
"Li Zhiyan! One day, I will make you put me on the throne of Empress!"
Li Zhiyan's heart skipped a beat. He looked at Gu Qianxue and, seeing the bitterness in her eyes, a wicked smile appeared on his lips.
"Consort Xue, Consort Li, I have important matters to discuss with my ministers. You may all leave now!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianxue and Chu Li exchanged a smile, curtsied, and left together.
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Li Zhiyan's mind kept flashing back to the scene of Gu Qianluo lying in a pool of blood in her previous life.
Suddenly, a sharp pain welled up in my heart.
In this life, he is determined to make up for the regrets of his previous life.
All the love in my heart is poured into the person I cherish most.
Now, he has no time to care about other women; all he can offer them is wealth and luxury.
The thought of Gu Qianluo made Li Zhiyan feel a little depressed, and she clenched her fists.
He had ascended to the throne, but the one he loved was nowhere to be found. He thought to himself, with dismay...
Now, my throne is not yet secure, it is not the right time to bring Gu Qianluo back to my side, let's wait a little longer...
Pulling his thoughts back, Li Zhiyan turned his gaze back to the officials and ministers below the main hall.
"Wang Mingzhong! I hereby appoint you as the Assistant Magistrate of Coastal Defense, responsible for the protection of the East China Sea coast and the management of commerce!"
Since the late emperor ascended the throne, our country has been frequently invaded by sea pirates. You must strengthen our defenses, drive out the pirates, and ensure peace for this region!
"Minister of Works Cheng Mingyuan, the floods in the Qizhou area are severe. You must deal with it as soon as possible, open the granaries to distribute grain and relieve the people's urgent needs."
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
The newly appointed officials stepped forward one by one to receive the imperial decree.
Suddenly, Li Zhiyan turned her gaze to Chen Jinheng, her heart overflowing with a myriad of emotions.
Now, he both respects and hates Chen Jinheng.
His brows furrowed as he pondered the matter.
Chen Jinheng and Gu Qianluo are no longer husband and wife. As long as he is one step ahead of Chen Jinheng, he will definitely be able to win Gu Qianluo back.
Thinking of this, a hint of smugness appeared in Li Zhiyan's usually cool eyes.
"Chen Jinheng, you are loyal to the country and have led many expeditions to fight the enemy, always managing to defeat them decisively."
The world is at peace today, largely thanks to you!
"I hereby appoint you as the Marquis of Wu'an. You will depart for the frontier in one month to guard the borders and ensure the stability of the Great Yue Kingdom's frontier!"
In addition to being granted the title of Marquis of Wu'an, he was also granted five mansions, dozens of chests of gold, silver, and precious jewels.
To relieve his worries, Li Zhiyan pardoned the former Marquis Zhongyong's exile and ordered his family to be brought back to the capital.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's eyes welled up with gratitude. He knelt down to receive the imperial edict, and said excitedly,
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! I will do my utmost to defend the borders and ensure the safety of the people, relieving Your Majesty of any worries about the frontier!"
Li Zhiyan laughed heartily, "Good! You truly are my good general!"
Chen Jinheng was very pleased to be favored by the new emperor.
But the thought of Gu Qianluo brought a pang of pain to his heart.
I don't know when I'll be able to return after this departure.
With such a beauty, would she wait for him to return and marry her?
With his worries resolved, Li Zhiyan suddenly recalled something Gu Qianluo had said to him in his previous life.
"Qianqian, you are quick-witted, eager to learn, and very knowledgeable."
I often wonder, what would your life have been like if you hadn't married me?
Gu Qianlu blinked her bright, pearl-like eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips, and answered excitedly.
"If I had not married His Majesty, I would have studied hard and strived to one day achieve fame and become the first female official of the Great Yue Kingdom."
"Hehehe, you little brat, you actually have such grand ambitions?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo nodded gently, stroked the magnificent phoenix robe she had just taken off, and sighed softly.
"Ah! What a pity! If only I could become a lady-in-waiting..."
Upon hearing this, Li Zhiyan frowned and asked in a deep voice,
"What? You're really that unwilling to be my empress?"
Gu Qianluo's eyes darted away, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated...
Memories of her previous life surfaced, and Li Zhiyan felt a growing impatience.
He only wanted to consolidate his imperial power as soon as possible, find Gu Qianluo, and continue his relationship with her from their previous life.
The court was delayed in closing due to discussions of state affairs, and the faces of the ministers were already filled with gloom.
Li Zhiyan's gaze was deep as he looked at the ministers below, whose expressions were similar to his own, and he asked in a stern voice.
"My esteemed ministers, do you have any other important matters to report?"
If not, General Chu Qiang will remain; the rest of you may leave.
Upon hearing this, the ministers all withdrew from the main hall.
Suddenly, only Li Zhiyan and Chu Qiang remained in the entire palace.
Chen Jinheng caught a glimpse of Chu Qiang out of the corner of his eye. Just as he was about to leave the Golden Palace, he heard Li Zhiyan's voice.
"General Chu, could you help me make a connection?"
I happen to be short of an Envoy of the Court of State Affairs.
I have heard that the Master of the Hundred Flowers Sect of the Free and Unfettered School is a man of great learning and knowledge.
I've heard you have some connections with him. Could you perhaps introduce us?
"Is Your Majesty referring to Junlan, the Sect Master of the Hundred Flowers Sect of the Free and Unfettered Sect?"
"Indeed! Five days from now, at Chenshi (7-9 AM), I will be waiting for him in the Imperial Study."
Could you please pass on this message? Thank you!
Upon hearing this, Chen Jinheng's heart trembled. He clenched his fists and left the Golden Palace, his mind filled with a myriad of emotions.
"Why is His Majesty looking for Luo'er? Has he discovered something?"
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