Chapter 85 When will His Majesty accept his subjects into the palace? ...
Tao Qingyang was initially only focused on rushing out the door and wreaking havoc, but Qin Songqiang held him and kissed him for a long time before calming him down.
Qin Song finally believed him when he said she would feel pain after he lost control...
Tao Qingyang put into practice what he had said last time: to cover up the traces of other people on her body.
He kept going back and forth in those places.
It was as if he didn't care whether Qin Song lived or died, or as if his eyes were only on her, wanting to hold her tightly in his palm inch by inch, as if he was afraid that if he let go of her, she would disappear.
Qin Song was indeed in a lot of pain at first, but he quickly got used to it.
She seized the opportunity and, trembling and incoherent, recounted all the events of that night in a halting and uneven manner.
As a descendant of the Tao family who suffered a terrible tragedy, Tao Qingyang couldn't help but cover Qin Song's mouth to shut her up.
She bit his hand again and again, determined to hammer these overwhelming messages into his mind.
The man who was so adept on both the battlefield and in bed had his psychological defenses crumbled step by step. He went from running away and going crazy to being at a loss and incredulous, and finally to crying in pain.
His emotions were fluctuating wildly, as if they were tearing him apart, and she was tossed and turned with him, feeling unbearably tossed about.
Fortunately, his agitated movements gradually subsided. He lingered against Qin Song's smooth back for a long time, then buried his head in the crook of her neck and sobbed softly.
Tears soaked her neck, and sobs fell on her ears, as if a huge stone had fallen into her heart, making it hard for her to breathe.
Qin Song wanted to turn around to comfort him, but he held her tightly in his arms, preventing her from looking at him.
He carries the stigma of being the son of a traitor, and also has to take care of his younger sister. If he is not careful, his sister will become his weakness, making it impossible for him to find the opportunity and have enough power to take revenge.
His hatred was repeatedly suppressed, and he gradually disguised himself as a heartless, playboy general who indulged in pleasure.
Qin Song could not imagine how, over the years, he had transformed himself from a clean-cut young man whom everyone thought was unsuitable for the battlefield into a great general covered in wounds and renowned for his military exploits, all thanks to his courage and single-mindedness.
She gently stroked his hand that was wrapped around her lower abdomen, her breath rising and falling with his, her voice sometimes loud and sometimes soft: "Ah Yang, do you hate your face?"
She guessed that he probably thought this face was the beginning of Long An's obsession, the culprit behind this disgusting behavior.
So he wears a mask all year round, not wanting people to see his face. Perhaps over the years, he himself has never wanted to look at himself.
He derives pleasure from the pain Qin Song inflicts, perhaps as a manifestation of self-loathing and self-abandonment. Because he dislikes himself, he indulges in pleasure through pain.
Qin Song felt sorry for him, and she reached back to stroke his face, saying, "Don't be sad, let's work together to clear the Tao family's name."
This time he didn't avoid her or restrain her, letting her turn around to look at him, caress him, and kiss him.
The darkness of the night was beginning to spread, and Qin Song's thoughts were increasingly preoccupied with Li Yu.
Fortunately, Tao Qingyang gradually regained his senses, his irritability subsided, and his actions became savage again... In silent tears, he finally released his pent-up emotions.
Whether it was because he was too tired, or because the pent-up emotions of the past few years were finally released at this moment, or perhaps because Lu Youchuan's blow to the side of his neck was too forceful, he eventually fell into a deep sleep while Qin Song patiently stayed with him.
Even when he was asleep, he still held Qin Song tightly and refused to let go for a long time.
However, the matter was not over yet. As Tao Qingyang's grip gradually weakened, Qin Song carefully got up.
She walked barefoot on the ground and quietly put on her clothes. She wanted to tuck the blanket around Tao Qing, but when she touched him, she found that his body was getting hotter and hotter.
No, it's not because of lust; he's just hot-tempered.
Qin Song called for a doctor and instructed Yun Qian to stay by his side before leaving the room.
As soon as I stepped out the door, I realized that Lu Youchuan had been waiting outside.
Their eyes met, and Qin Song felt uneasy for a moment. He was sure he had heard everything that had just happened.
He was already preoccupied with worries tonight, his brows furrowed, and now he was even more melancholy, with a hint of loneliness in his eyes.
She hesitated for a moment, but before she could speak, Lu Youchuan stepped forward, his tall figure immediately blocking her way.
The light from the eaves cast a shadow, which was cut into pieces by his figure, enveloping Qin Song completely beneath him, as if he were holding her.
His burning gaze traced her lips, neck, and collarbone...
After a long silence, he asked softly, "Does it hurt?"
Qin Song's awkwardness vanished; he thought he was about to make trouble for her.
Qin Song buried her face in his arms, unable to resist calling his name over and over again in different ways: "Lu Youchuan, Lu Lang, Brother Lu..."
Why her? Why did he fall for her?
Qin Song knew he was a good man, and that he had a clear conscience, but why did his conscience fail her?
How could he be concerned about whether she was in pain under such circumstances?
To be honest, Lu Youchuan has carried a lot of burdens over the years, so perhaps she should be more careful in taking care of his emotions.
However, Qin Song did not want to.
Qin Song wanted to be straightforward and open to remove the veil in his heart, to make him accept them, acknowledge them, and clearly indulge her.
Qin Song gently rubbed her face against his chest, "It doesn't hurt, but I prefer you like that."
·
Lu Youchuan kissed Qin Song for a long time before they separated.
At this moment, the two sat facing each other in the lobby of the post station, quietly waiting for the sky to clear.
She had planned a long and arduous battle. After this night, she would ensure that both Long'an and Li Xu were completely out of the running for the throne, and that the Li family's empire would be completely without a successor.
She wanted to loosen the deep-rooted foundation of the Qin clan.
She will enter the capital amidst the clamor of the masses and become the empress.
Qin Song had made thorough preparations, but at this moment he suddenly felt lost.
Perhaps it was the result of years of preparation that, once it was put into action, gave her a profound sense of emptiness.
"Do you think everything will go smoothly?" Qin Song gazed at the rising sun outside the house, as if talking to himself.
A rustling sound arose as a spring night breeze blew in, carrying a slight chill that lifted Qin Song's black hair, adding a touch of liveliness to his composed demeanor.
She was still as fair and slender as ever. From the side, she looked like a thin veil draped over a white porcelain statue, exquisite and pure, breathtakingly beautiful.
But compared to the Qin Song who used to be all about flirting and was so naive that he was almost foolish, he seems like a completely different person.
Her allure has always been captivating, yet her gaze has become more resolute, her shoulders more upright, and her thoughts more sharp, all while retaining an innate and unique tolerance and gentleness.
Lu Youchuan gradually realized that he had to look up to her and chase after her to keep up with her pace. If he had to do it again, he was not even sure if he would still be lucky enough to be chosen by her.
He pursed his lips, put a thin shawl over her shoulders, and sat closer to her. "It will go smoothly."
Although it had only been half an hour before dawn, Qin Song felt as if he had waited for half a century.
As dawn broke, news finally arrived from the city gate guards.
"Report! Deputy General Qin has rebelled, and His Highness the Crown Prince... has passed away."
As dawn broke, progress was finally made in solving the long-standing mystery.
Qin Song jumped to his feet, asking anxiously, "How is it? Is Li Yu alright?"
"When Deputy General Qin saw that his plan had been exposed, he tried to escape on horseback. Before anyone could react, only the Junior Chamberlain rode his horse to stop him, but he was accidentally hit and injured his left leg."
"Is it serious? Where is he?" Qin Song was clearly nervous.
The guard immediately reported, "He is resting in the government office. The doctor has bandaged him up, and he is fine for the time being."
Qin Song breathed a slight sigh of relief before calmly inquiring about what had happened next, "Has Vice General Qin been captured?"
"Deputy General Qin was surrounded and committed suicide out of fear of punishment."
Qin Song had anticipated this move.
In the midst of the crisis, she deliberately ordered him to go into the city to deal with the Crown Prince. He certainly wouldn't have time to consult the Qin clan leader, so he could only do as she said.
As long as he finds the fake prince, who has been prepared for him in advance, the fake prince will die at his hands, regardless of whether he discovers anything amiss.
She calmly instructed: "Collect the body and do not let any word of this matter leak out. The murder of the crown prince is no small matter, and there may be a conspiracy behind it. Pass on my secret order to immediately detain the other two newly appointed deputy generals of the Zhenbei Army. No one is allowed to approach them without my authorization."
"Yes." The guard bowed and accepted the order, but did not leave immediately. He then asked again, "What about His Highness's body?"
I forgot that if you're going to put on an act, you have to do it properly.
"Send him back to the yamen first, and keep him under strict guard. No one is allowed to approach him."
After the guard left to carry out his orders, Qin Song turned to face Lu Youchuan and asked, "Lord Lu, may I leave the rest to you?"
Lu Youchuan looked at her, already knowing her plan: "To extract a confession through torture?"
"Hmm, discarding the donkey after it has served its purpose." Qin Song's eyes gleamed with cunning as he pulled out a pre-prepared confession from his sleeve. "As long as we can get the people sent by the eldest uncle to sign and seal this, the Qin family's deep foundation will have to be handed over, at least half of it."
The indictment states that Emperor Long'an secretly traveled to Kaifeng intending to kill Li Xu and eliminate obstacles to his legitimacy, but he was outmatched, and Qin's deputy general beheaded Long'an outside the city. Furthermore, the Qin clan, desiring to seize power, had their deputy general, acting on the orders of the clan head, cruelly assassinate the Crown Prince.
The crime of murdering the only two remaining heirs of the Great Yu Dynasty was so heinous that even if the Qin clan were wiped out by the army, no one would dare to stop them.
The Qin family wanted her to be their puppet, so she first sucked their blood.
“Okay.” Lu Youchuan hesitated for a moment before taking the petition that Qin Song had prepared and accepting the task for her.
Qin Song, recalling his earnest pursuit of clarity, couldn't help but ask, "Do you approve of my approach?"
Lu Youchuan suddenly smiled at her, "I am not a stubborn and rigid old man. The Great Yu is suffering from incurable diseases. The noble families who do not know how to eat meat porridge have long become a malignant tumor on the country. Naturally, we cannot be soft on them."
“But I’m distorting the truth, framing you, and completely violating your principles.”
“Ah Song, I believe in you. You have your own judgment. If you ever become senile and cruel, I will definitely stop you.”
Qin Song deliberately pursed his lips, but with a smile, "I knew you wouldn't let Weisuowei become the emperor."
Her smile was brighter than the spring breeze, her shallow dimples radiating a charming chuckle.
Lu Youchuan was so engrossed in watching her that he forgot to reply. What he really wanted to say was: she could do whatever she wanted because he always believed that she would never do anything to harm the country.
Before he could speak, Qin Song pursed his lips and asked, "If one day I want to sow discord within the Lu family, will you stop me?"
Lu Youchuan was taken aback. "Please spare their lives."
Qin Song smiled knowingly, and now she was relieved.
How could he possibly kill them? Killing was never her preferred method.
Whether it's the Qin family, the Lu family, the Cui family, or the Pan family, her goal isn't to take their lives. She just wants them to relinquish the excessive land, houses, money, and freedom of countless slaves that they have so firmly seized.
·
Lu Youchuan's methods of trial were unparalleled. The Qin clan patriarch never expected that his desire to seize control of the Zhenbei Army would become a fatal blow to the Qin family.
After receiving the confession, Lu Youchuan returned to the capital first, stabilizing the situation of the palace being leaderless.
Half a month later, news of the death of the last two bloodlines of the Li dynasty spread throughout the Great Yu.
Prior to this, Li Yu had already written more than a dozen articles analyzing the current situation, as well as eulogies that ostensibly mourned the Crown Prince but actually subtly hinted at the Crown Prince's approval of Qin Song. He also anonymously wrote countless poems and essays praising Qin Song.
These articles were quickly copied and circulated widely. In a situation where the country was without a ruler, they successfully suppressed the situation of various warlords vying for power, and Qin Song became the most popular ruler of the world.
Qin Song successfully led his army into the capital, ascended the throne, and changed the name of the country to "Yan".
Following registration, a series of government decrees were issued—
The restriction that only men could enter officialdom was lifted. Female officials selected and appointed in Long'an were re-evaluated. Those who passed the evaluation were retained or transferred to suitable positions, gradually increasing the proportion of women entering officialdom.
He then began investigating the injustice done to the Tao family years ago, and through the words of the old eunuch and several implicated senior officials, he finally managed to clear their names.
Qin Song endured a month of torment before finally adapting to his role as emperor.
Since many cabinet officials had reservations about Qin Song's ascension to the throne, Qin Song simply ordered them to retake the selection process for official appointment. Those who passed would be retained, and those who failed would be reassigned.
Therefore, all the memorials submitted by various government offices and prefectures were piled up in the Imperial Study. Even though Lu Youchuan had processed some of them, they were still piled up like a mountain on his desk.
Fortunately, Li Yu was injured in the leg and stayed in the palace every day, so he was able to handle a lot of the work of reviewing memorials and making decisions.
However... their posture gradually became a little strange.
Qin Song felt uncomfortable being pressed against him and tried to break free from Li Yu's grasp. "Put me down, what's the meaning of you holding me like this?"
"Don't move, Your Majesty. I'm helping you review the memorials."
Li Yu had long been acting strangely, yet he pretended to be serious as he leaned over her shoulder to browse a memorial lying open on his desk.
Qin Song pressed him down, using a tone more reserved for a subject than a ruler: "I was tired, that's why I let you see this. Holding me like this, what's the difference between that and me doing it myself?"
"Then Your Majesty may reluctantly lean on my lap for a short rest."
"It's uncomfortable, and besides, your leg isn't healed yet. What if I hurt it?"
"It's all done. When will Your Majesty take me into the palace?" He stopped reading the memorial and lowered his head to kiss her lips.
Qin Song instinctively dodged, "Stop fooling around, you can't do anything reckless right now."
Li Yu suddenly put down his pen and pressed his lips to hers, "Your back is fine, shall we stay here or go to the inner palace?"
...
An hour later, the commotion subsided; the Imperial Study had never been so chaotic.
Qin Song dressed himself, and Li Yu sat down to tie Qin Song's belt. "Is it too difficult for Your Majesty that I am willing to be a concubine?"
Qin Song lifted his eager face and kissed him, "You are the young master of the Duke of Anguo's mansion. Do you think the Duke of Anguo's mansion would agree to let you enter the palace as a concubine?"
“Why would I disagree? Countless men would kill to enter the palace and vie for the Emperor’s favor. The fact that I can stay by His Majesty’s side every day is a source of honor for the Duke of Anguo’s family. Moreover, I fully agree with His Majesty’s decision to abolish the hereditary system of nobility.”
He held her waist, forcing her to stand between his legs, and kissed her lower abdomen through her clothes.
Qin Song felt ticklish from his kisses, so she put her hands on his shoulders, gently pushed him away, then squatted down and looked at him intently.
"Li Yu, you are a top scholar, outstanding in talent, cultivation, and knowledge of governance. It would be a waste of your talents if you just stayed on the emperor's bed. I want you to join the cabinet and share my burdens. Are you willing?"
Qin Song changed her address, and Li Yu was even more reluctant to let go of her.
He held her waist and looked up at her: "I can share your burdens now. I promise I'll only bother you once a day. Please don't kick me out of the palace, okay?"
Qin Song shook his head. "No."
Li Yu pleaded slightly, "Then how about every other day?"
Qin Song shook his head again.
Li Yu sighed, "Every two days."
Qin Song shook his head again.
Li Yu was at her wit's end. "How about once every three days?"
Qin Song was adamant and was about to continue persuading him to join the cabinet, but he directly hugged her waist, leaned against her lower abdomen, and said first, "My legs hurt, I'll stay in the palace today."
Qin Song sighed helplessly, "Didn't you just say you were fine?"
"It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone or tendon, so it's naturally not that quick."
"Your Majesty, Imperial Censor Lu and General Tao have arrived."
Before Li Yu could let go of her, Chunhe called out from outside the door again.
Chunhe is currently a lady-in-waiting to the emperor. She has been by Qin Song's side for a long time and her choice of words is quite precise.
Everyone in the palace knew about the relationship between Lu Youchuan, Tao Qingyang, and Li Yu and her, and no one dared to stop them from entering the palace.
If they say they've arrived, then they should already be outside the palace.
Qin Song glanced at the messy desk, and couldn't help but clutch his lower back and gasp.
-----------------------
Author's note: It should be finished tomorrow~
Thank you all so much for your support along the way. You've given me so much encouragement. I'm so excited, but also a little sad to say goodbye.
I'm going hiking tomorrow and the day after. The next chapter will be posted in my drafts folder on a set schedule.
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I've made some minor adjustments to the pre-order synopsis for this column. I'll put a lot of effort into writing the next two books, and I hope you all can continue to witness my growth. Love you all~ [doge emoji with rose in hand]
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