Disharmony between husband and wife, discord between brothers
A few months later, the flames of war gradually subsided, and Li Lin led his army back in triumph. Still in his armor, he was urgently summoned to the Jinluan Palace to report to Emperor Li Lie'ao and the entire court.
The hall was brightly lit with candles and solemn, with civil and military officials standing on both sides. The emperor sat high on the dragon throne, overlooking everyone.
"During this eastern and northern expedition, our army annihilated 200,000 enemies, recovered 300 miles of lost territory, seized countless grain and grass, and completely defeated the arrogance of the Northern Di people, winning decades of peace and tranquility for our Qiankun country." Every word Li Lin said was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart, making all the officials present feel awe and cast admiring glances at him.
"In addition, our army also eliminated bandits along the way in the Jianghuai area, seizing 100,000 taels of silver and tens of thousands of weapons. We also quelled civil unrest in Tongzhi, Datong, and Anle counties, and punished corrupt officials. In this campaign, our army suffered over 5,000 casualties and over 700 deaths. That's all."
"This second brother is still as capable as ever. The eldest brother is far inferior to him. If this continues, the faction will surely grow stronger. My position will also be in jeopardy."
Thinking of this, Li Lie'ao nodded and said, "My Lord, you have made great achievements in this battle, which comforts me greatly. However, the army is the most dangerous weapon of a country and must be used with caution. I think, since you have been promoted to the position of a general, what do you think we should do?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in an uproar. Many officials looked surprised, clearly not expecting the emperor to make such a request at this moment. Li Jiancheng and Li Ji exchanged a glance, a subtle, sly smile playing at the corners of their mouths, as if they had anticipated this moment.
"Your Majesty, your words are wrong." Li Lin responded calmly, "Although I am already a general, the border is not stable, and there are still remnants of forces ready to make a move. In addition, the Tufan Kingdom has been making moves in recent years, and has occasionally invaded our border. I believe that now is not the time to reduce our military power."
"Furthermore," Li Lin continued, his gaze piercing the room. "I have a grand ambition in my heart: to make Qiankun a nation truly revered by all nations. Such a great undertaking cannot be accomplished without a large army."
Li Lieo frowned slightly when he heard this, "Hmph! Wouldn't it be better to give you the throne? And you still refuse me." Thinking of this, Li Lieo looked at Li Jiancheng again.
"Hmph, grand ambitions? Your Majesty, that's a bit exaggerated." Li Ji sneered and stood up. "You command a large army. Aren't you afraid that your achievements will overshadow your ruler and cause unrest in the court?"
"King Qi is wrong." Li Lin smiled faintly, then calmly said, "I'm loyal to my country, so why should I fear what others say? Besides, our Qiankun Kingdom is in its heyday and needs talented people to work together for great achievements. If you let suspicion grow over a mere military power, wouldn't that discourage the soldiers of the world?"
Li Lie'ao thought it over, then said, "Next week, Li Daohe, under the command of Prince Xuan, and Shi Jiabao will each lead 50,000 men to Hebei Province to eliminate the remnants of Tufan. Li Daohe will lead the troops, and Prince Qi, you will cooperate."
Li Ji was shocked and thought to himself, "What does the emperor want to do? Why did he give me the second son's two confidants? And it just so happens that these two people don't get along with each other..." Thinking of this, Li Ji didn't know how to express his reaction, "Your son will definitely fulfill the mission!"
Li Lie'ao then announced, "There is nothing else to do today, so we will adjourn the court. Prince Xuan will stay."
"Xuan, if you have something to report, please report it. If not, please dismiss the court!"
As the eunuch's shrill voice fell, the court meeting ended and the ministers left the court one after another.
Li Lie'ao left Li Lin behind, because the three brothers had shown signs of disloyalty since they first came to power, and Li Lin held great power. Li Lin's military power had to be divided, otherwise he would not be able to sit on the throne in peace.
Li Lie'ao informed Li Lin that his elder brother, Li Jiancheng, had been plotting rebellion since returning home, and had been conspiring with the Changlin soldiers, with considerable influence. To quell both the rebellion and the invasion of Fan State, Li Lie'ao made a request.
"Lin'er, Yang Gan and the Changlin soldiers are committing evil, but the matter involves your royal brother, Jian Cheng. I'm afraid there are many people who will respond to him. You should go and pacify the situation yourself. When you return, I will make you the Crown Prince."
"Father, I have no intention of becoming the Crown Prince, but if you are right, what should my brother do?"
"I cannot follow the example of the previous emperor and kill his own flesh and blood, so I have no choice but to depose him and enthroned him as king. Shu is a remote and small land, easy to subdue. If he does not submit to you in the future, you will also be able to subdue him easily."
Li Lin was silent for a moment, feeling both happy and worried. With no other options, he could only reply, "Your Highness is willing to go. But why is your brother in the imperial court today?"
"Jiancheng has not committed any substantive acts, so we cannot punish him. I will punish him alone. And Lin'er, you must not follow your brother's example. Such behavior will only weaken the ministers' loyalty to you. If you understand, wait until the spies return before setting off again."
Li Lin accepted the order, but he felt mixed emotions.
After returning to the palace, Li Lin tidied himself up a bit and then hurried to Chen Ying's parents' home.
Stepping into the Chen Mansion's mourning hall, Li Lin looked solemn. He walked to the tablet of Chen Yun's father, burned incense reverently, and bowed deeply.
In the second courtyard, Chen Feng anxiously asked, "Yingying, what's going on between you and that dog prince? Why has your scandal spread throughout the palace and the army?"
"Brother! It was the eldest brother who wanted to do something bad to me! He even wanted to invite me to his house a few days ago. I refused. Not only him, but also the fourth brother..."
Huang Youbing slammed the table in anger, "The Fourth Prince just brought His Majesty's imperial decree this morning, and he wants to be engaged to Siyu!"
Chen Feng was so angry that he kicked the chair away, "Damn it, they even didn't let my little sister go!"
Chen Yun clenched his fists, and Li Lin came over and said solemnly, "Not only that, the fourth brother also flirted with my princess. Right?"
Chen Yun quickly stood up and said, "He has a problem with his character, even worse than the boss. Anyway, I am innocent and I won't let them succeed."
"Can't you just avoid suspicion? Can't you just avoid them?"
Hearing Li Lin's dissatisfied tone, Chen Yun approached Li Lin and said, "Second brother, haven't I already reduced the number of times I go out? Even though I'm hiding here, they still come to the palace to harass me every day."
Li Lin's eyes flickered with a complex emotion, tinged with a subtle hint of distrust. "Yunyun, I know you're pure and innocent, but the hearts of those in the palace are unpredictable. You've reduced your outings, but you're still unable to completely avoid trouble. How can I be at ease?" His tone was a touch of reproach, but more of it was helplessness.
Chen Yun's eyes turned red when he heard this, and he felt an indescribable sense of guilt and grievance in his heart. "Do you think I want this? But some things are unavoidable."
"I'm not blaming you, it's just..." Li Lin hesitated, knowing full well that he had spoken too harshly, yet he didn't know how to mend the rift caused by misunderstanding. "I'm just worried about you. Things are different now. In this vortex of power struggle, I'm afraid I can't protect you. Yet you've been running around time and time again, even being so restless during your mourning period. This... Sigh!"
"I have my own pride. You doubting me makes me feel like a sinner." Chen Yun's tears welled up in her eyes. She tried hard not to let them fall, and her voice was filled with a hint of stubbornness. "I just want to help you win over some forces..."
Looking at Chen Yun's sincere eyes, the ice in Li Lin's heart gradually melted. He realized that his distrust not only hurt Chen Yun, but also put himself in an emotional dilemma.
"Alright, both of you, stop arguing," Chen Feng approached. "Don't be fooled by those treacherous villains. What you hear may not be true."
Li Lin took a deep breath and said, "You are now a princess, and you should know that everyone is watching your actions. Don't do anything that will cause misunderstanding. Also, I want to tell you something. My father promised me the title of crown prince because of the rebellion of the eldest brother. I should be going to quell the rebellion soon."
Chen Yun asked, "How will His Majesty the Crown Prince deal with this now?"
"Humph, we're still together at court? So what? The one in power now is the prince, not me. Are you disappointed in your husband?"
Without looking at Chen Yun, Chen Feng was still stung by the piercing words and slapped Li Lin's arm. He winked at Li Lin, but Li Lin knew what he was doing. However, the unhappiness in his heart remained unbearable.
"Then why did I marry you? Was it because I wanted the knife at your neck?"
Listening to Chen Yun's sad voice and looking at her tearful eyes, Li Lin left alone without saying much.
Chen Yan returned to his seat and sat down, shaking his head helplessly.
Huang Youbing sighed, then said, "Qing'er, don't blame me for blaming you. You're still too distant from men. Sigh, I didn't talk to you properly about the differences between men and women before. Now you're being misunderstood by your husband."
Chen Ying asked self-reproachfully, "Is this considered close? I've been turned away."
"Qing'er, the distance we're talking about isn't just about the distance between the two of you. It also means you have to actually kill him and destroy his heart, and resist everything about him. If you can't break up with him, it still means you're still attached."
"Mother, what should I do?"
"You, don't blame your husband. If he gives in first, then cater to his preferences and do something special to please him. If he doesn't give in, then create the conditions for him to do so. Husband and wife, don't let such a small thing hurt your relationship."
Chen Feng then asked, "Yingying, have you caught the murderer who killed Aye and made him confess?"
"There's no evidence to prove that the eldest and fourth brothers were responsible. Confessions alone are weak."
Chen Feng noticed that Chen Yan had been tired for many days, and it seemed that she was not idle at home. It might be because she was worried about her husband, or it might be because she was trying to consolidate the status of the palace.
Chen Feng patted her shoulder and said, "Yingying, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Mom, I'm going to take a rest."
Chen Yun fell into deep thought. Her father, Chen Lu, had been murdered by her husband's brother, and she had been unable to avenge him. Now, because she had been molested by the murderer, her husband had misunderstood her, and she felt bitter.
"Ying'er, you must become a wise and responsible person in the future." Her father's words seemed to still echo in her ears. At that time, she was still hiding in the dim yellow mud house, with only a few faint lights from the outside world shining in.
She nodded, not fully understanding the deeper meaning. Her father stroked her head with his broad, rough hand. She looked up curiously at him. His face was filled with love and expectation, yet it was also etched with age. The wrinkles around his eyes made him look older. He was already a very old man.
Although there are no delicacies, luxury houses, or huge wealth, the advantage is the warmth of family.
However, all this beauty fell on the day of sunset. After receiving the urgent report to Chen Yun, she reported it and quickly returned home, only to find that the mansion had been burned to pieces, with broken walls and ruins everywhere, making it uninhabitable.
She followed the sound of weeping and wailing and saw her family kneeling on the ground, weeping, and the charred body in the middle. Her father lay there quietly, his face unrecognizable, but the familiar outline of his face deeply pierced her heart.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she knelt beside her father's body, weeping uncontrollably. At that moment, she seemed to hear the sound of her own heart breaking, and all her beautiful memories turned to ashes at this moment.
Now, Chen Yun sat in the mansion that she had won as the Crown Princess, looked up at the sky, and let out a long sigh that echoed through the blue sky.
Elsewhere, inside a tavern, Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Fourth Prince Li Ji gathered together to drink and chat.
"Fourth brother, with such a beautiful scene today, you and I should be drinking and chatting, enjoying the joy of family." Li Jiancheng raised his glass and took a sip, his words carrying a hint of courtesy and alienation.
Li Ji sneered, put down his wine glass, and looked at Li Jiancheng. "Your Majesty, my brother, are wrong. In this situation, how can we, brothers, truly enjoy the happiness of family life? Do you know that our father intends to make him the crown prince? How can we just sit back and watch?"
Li Jiancheng frowned slightly, seemingly unsurprised by Li Ji's words. He simply said, "Fourth brother, you and I both know that the mutiny failed. I was in the wrong and cannot interfere. Second brother is, after all, a brother, and it is difficult for me to obey your orders to kill each other."
Upon hearing this, Li Ji's face flickered with disdain. "Hmph, my Royal Brother, your words are far too soft-hearted. Since ancient times, there has been no family affection beneath the throne. His position is unreachable. Although he only has a little over 800 men under his command, he has numerous external forces. Your Royal Brother should be fully aware of this threat."
Li Jiancheng remained silent for a moment, seemingly engaged in a fierce ideological struggle. He knew full well that Li Ji's words were true, and that Li Lin's power posed a significant threat to his position as crown prince. However, his inner moral compass and family ties kept reminding him not to embark on this path of no return.
Li Ji saw this and knew he had struck a chord with Li Jiancheng, so he continued to push forward. "Don't worry, my royal brother. I have a brilliant plan. All you need is a nod, and I'll take care of the rest. Then, not only can we eliminate the obstructing individual, but we can also pin the blame on those court officials who are dissatisfied with our father. Killing two birds with one stone."
Li Jiancheng was delighted when he heard this. "Oh? Tell me the detailed plan."
"Now, the affair between you and Chen Yun has caused a great uproar in the city, and the royal family's reputation is still very important. In addition, I have asked my father to grant me a marriage with her third sister. Then we will have no problem. Right, Miss Siyu."
Li Ji looked behind the screen and saw that the person who slowly walked out was Chen Siyu. After she bowed, she looked a little uneasy.
Li Ji reached out and held Chen Siyu's hand and asked softly, "Siyu, as my consort in the future, although you won't be my principal wife, you should contribute to the Qi Palace, right?"
"yes."
"Even more, you must put your husband first, put your family behind, and be loyal to me. You must never betray me. Do you understand?"
Chen Siyu gritted her teeth and nodded reluctantly. She knew in her heart that she would soon be on the opposite side of her sister, and a storm seemed inevitable.
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