Royal Secrets
In the middle of the night, Liu Che woke up, his head groggy. All around him was silence and darkness. The woman lay on the couch with her back to him, seemingly fast asleep. He himself slumped over on the stone bricks, his back aching and cold.
He was drunk. Ever since the woman approached him, the vortex in his heart began to surge and rise, forming a huge wave that hit his entire body.
He walked to the bed with heavy steps and stared deeply. They were similar, but not the same, different bodies, different looks, but he just couldn't resist, as if he was bewitched by her.
He had arranged all of this long ago. The room was filled with the peony fragrance that she often used. A quilt with a golden lotus pattern covered the woman. Her waist was as thin as a rope and could be grasped with one hand. Her soft curves stretched straight up. She let down all her black hair, which scattered on the jade pillow.
He gently removed his shoes and outer robe, sniffed himself to make sure he didn't smell of alcohol, and then tiptoed onto the couch. He lifted her long black hair, pressed his shoulders against hers, and pulled her completely into his arms, pressing against her back tightly, his arms around her soft waist.
The curtains blocked the scent of spices, but within the small bed, a unique aroma blended and emanated from his hands. He took a deep breath and unconsciously clenched his hands tighter.
So it was, in this darkness, without light, without struggle, without calculation. Just the two of them, fulfilling his fleeting dream in a familiar atmosphere. He might be ill, but he was the emperor; he could have whatever medicine he wanted, especially for a woman. Even if he drained her blood, peeled her skin, gouged out her flesh and bones, to use her as a medicine for him, no one would object.
He just wanted her, a complete her, and didn't need her to do anything. He just wanted her to be here, in his own space, where he could see her, touch her, and talk to her at any time. That was all.
Imprisonment? Her motives were impure, her identity unclear, and she came to demand his power and life, bearing unknown dangers. He simply asked her for something in return. She should be thankful that her imitation was somewhat acceptable, and that she was lucky to have deceived him for the time being.
The black robe gradually drew closer and closer to the moon-white silk dress, almost sinking into it, the moon gradually swallowed by the darkness. He tilted his head back and rested his chin on the top of her head. The purple veins on his neck stretched out and bulged, reaching up to that cold face. He breathed deeply, his fingers gripping her waist digging deeper and deeper, tightening his grip until his dark pupils shimmered and trembled like a flickering candlelight...
The surging sea calmed down again, the ships lowered their long sails and anchored in the long night, and the fish hiding in the reefs were able to surface to breathe.
Gillian opened her eyes, pulled out her clothes, and tore off the wet hem of her skirt. She couldn't see him either, but like him, she could sense his presence through that familiar scent.
His pain, his forbearance, his madness...
Let's keep arguing, there won't be much time left. Zhang Yannian should have received the news. Tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow at the latest, he will go to the palace to question Liu Che. If he denies it, he will hold a sceptre in his hand and go to court to give frank advice in front of all the ministers.
Thinking of that man, she couldn't help but twitch the corners of her mouth. Such a stubborn fool, even if a knife was held to his neck, he would not yield...
Liu Che left the stone chamber. Jiang Chong glanced up and saw the emperor's slightly disheveled robes. He tactfully lowered his eyes and came forward with a new set of clothes. Although his face looked as gloomy as usual, Jiang Chong had a feeling that he was in a good mood, or at least not a bad one.
"I'll pick out some clothes and send them over later, as well as hot water for bathing and washing." As he picked up the hot tea to rinse his mouth, the eunuchs on the other side of the room filed in and placed the dishes on the table.
Jiang Chong smiled and said, "Do you want to send rouge, powder, and makeup supplies as well?"
“No need.”
There were only two of them in the Stone Palace, so who would see her decorations?
He glanced at Jiang Chong and suddenly asked, "Do you know Wu Ji in Wutingfang..."
Jiang Chong was listening with his head tilted up, and was about to answer when he saw him turn his head away. "Forget it, just send her another copy like yesterday."
Jiang Chong agreed, wanting to say something but not daring to ask. What was he asking? The emperor had ordered him to prepare things in the stone chamber a few days ago, and then ordered him to go pick someone up. He was shocked when he learned that it was Madam Huo. A king seizing his minister's wife would be recorded in the annals of history and condemned by the people in every dynasty. He could steal for a day, but what would happen when General Huo returned home?
"Report from the northwest: while crossing the river, our army encountered Xiongnu invading the border. They set up a small ambush. General Huo led his troops to repel the Xiongnu and captured ten of them."
The emperor heard the northwest intelligence, but he showed no sign of emotion. He simply lowered his eyes in thought, his fingers tapping intermittently on the dragon throne. Finally, he raised his head and smiled.
"The Xiongnu are rampant, fortunately General Wei is here to share my worries. When the army returns victorious, I will certainly reward them accordingly."
As the emperor spoke, he noticed a burning gaze fixed on him from the corner of his eye. He glanced at the official in the right row, dressed in a black robe and standing tall like a bamboo.
Zhang Yannian… When his great-grandfather was still alive, Zhang Yannian's grandfather, Zhang Qian, was a renowned and upright official, known throughout the court and the country. He dared to denounce the emperor's mistakes to his face, without even a shred of respect. He was unfazed by the high-ranking officials who perverted the law and oppressed the people, not for money or power, but for justice.
Court officials avoided him, and the emperor was terrified. Of course, this was based on the fact that his ancestors were wise rulers who were tolerant and receptive to advice. After many twists and turns, he eventually offended so many people that he was demoted and sent home shortly after his father ascended the throne. His sons and daughters did not pursue official positions, and the family declined in fortune, and the Zhang family's reputation faded.
Zhang Yannian, the grandson of Zhang Qian, inherited his grandfather's upright character. In some cases, he would be a good target if he intervened. He would step back and add fuel to the fire, imitating his grandfather's wise rulership and respect for the wise and humble.
He curled his lips and looked at Zhang Yannian, "Lord Zhang, does it seem like you have something to say?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone looked over, their faces sullen. What was this stinky Zhang Yannian going to find fault with them again...
The man mentioned looked over when he heard this, frowned slightly, and then lowered his head after a long moment. "I'm fine."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The emperor smiled, but felt a little disappointed. This stagnant court meeting was just as boring as usual.
After everyone had spoken a great deal, the emperor finally called for the court to be dismissed. Everyone scattered like birds and beasts, but Zhang Yannian remained standing, calling out to Liu Che.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Liu Che was about to head straight for the Stone Palace, but was a little displeased when he was stopped. "Oh? Didn't you just say you had nothing to report?"
"This is a royal secret. I do not think it is appropriate to announce it in the palace."
Liu Che raised an eyebrow, seeming to be intrigued. Imperial secrets... what secrets could a country bumpkin from Guangling know? Could it be that his grandfather had passed them down to him?
What happened during Zhang Qian's reign, the secret affair between his imperial grandfather and someone, the princes and grandchildren who were left behind wanting to return to their ancestral home and compete with him for the throne... or is it the treasure map that is scattered outside?
The emperor, who had just looked stern and majestic in front of the court officials, now smiled warmly at this upright and honest minister, and personally poured tea and burned incense for him.
While changing the ice, the eunuch, newly assigned to the palace, couldn't help but steal a glance at the emperor and his ministers seated before the table. While their majesty could be harsh and intimidating at times, he was tolerant and kind toward loyal ministers and those who cared deeply about the nation's well-being. "This, my master said, is the true ruler of a prosperous and enlightened age, capable of achieving great things and maintaining his rule," he said.
Therefore, General Huo, the general of the Wei army, fought bravely for him, expanded the territory, fought against the Huns, and created the hegemony of the Han Dynasty.
The eunuchs closed the door and came out carrying the water jar that had melted into a basin, leaving the king and his ministers to sit at the table and talk.
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