Chapter 61
The voice beside his ear went through his mind again, and Xie Ling felt like a stiff puppet, with no control over his movements.
Ahhhhhh, Xie Ling didn't even dare to touch his own face. He didn't know how burned it would be.
He looked at His Majesty, slightly tilting his head.
The light in Xiao Huan's eyes dimmed for a moment, but the next moment, the young man, who was mentally prepared, approached again.
"Your Majesty, I am not very good at it."
Xie Ling didn't even know what he said, his mind was like a mess.
After encouraging himself, he suddenly kissed His Majesty on the cheek, from the cold side of his face, to the corner of his lips, and finally landed on the same place.
"Is this okay?"
The air seemed to be burning hot. Xiao Huan's throat rolled. He didn't expect Xie Ling would really kiss him.
He originally thought... thought that this guy who said one thing and thought another was lying again.
But at this moment, feeling that Xie Ling was just shy, Xiao Huan tightened his grip on the back of his neck and softened his expression. When Xie Ling thought that was all, he heard Emperor Wu on the other side chuckle.
“That won’t work.”
Huh? Why not?
Wasn’t that how Your Majesty kissed me last time?
However, the hand on the back of his neck was getting hotter and hotter, as if it was burning his heart.
The next moment, His Majesty, who had been watching from the sidelines, leaned over and looked at him.
"It should be like this."
Xie Ling was stunned for a moment. The air seemed to be filled with the scent of ambergris, mixed with just a hint of sweetness from the sugar painting he had just bought.
Xie Ling heard His Majesty ask.
"Is this how I kiss you?"
Later...he finally knew what a proper kiss should be like.
Xiao Huan touched the corner of his lips, slightly distanced himself, and sneered.
"Just like a kitten."
Xie Ling:!!!
What kind of strange metaphor is this? Although His Majesty said this, the look in his eyes showed that it was completely different.
This meaningful look was retracted in just a moment, making people's mouth dry.
Xie Ling instinctively felt that he should not explore further, but even after he returned to the side hall in a daze and covered himself with a quilt, he still did not come to his senses.
Xie Ling couldn't help but argue with the system.
"Tongzi, I'm done."
"Who knows how His Majesty is so capable!"
He didn't even dare to touch the corner of his lips, for fear of being pulled back into the out-of-control scene just now. At this moment, he could only close his eyes tightly.
The system, which had just realized that it was not suitable for life, saw its host's face flushed as soon as it came online, and it was hesitant to speak.
I said I was going to comfort others, but why did I comfort myself like this? Is this the way to comfort each other now?
The system didn’t understand and was greatly shocked, but it still gave a considerate reminder.
"Your mouth is red."
Xie Ling:!!!
Okay, okay, he gets it.
Didn’t I say that?
Xie Ling was so angry that he tossed and turned in the side hall until late at night before he finally fell asleep. But he finally let it go, and the next morning when Qian Ming came in, he found that Master Xie was different from the past.
He paused holding the basin of water, a little doubtful.
"Mr. Xie, you..."
"What's wrong?" Xie Ling rubbed his forehead, feeling that his eyes hurt from not sleeping well. Then he heard Qian Ming hesitantly say, "I always feel that Master Xie seems to be a little different from usual."
"Does Mr. Xie have lip balm on his lips?" Qian Ming suddenly asked.
In his impression, the color of Mr. Xie’s lips didn’t seem to be... this red?
Xie Ling's body stiffened for a moment. He didn't expect that there were still traces even on the second day. He shifted his gaze to the bronze mirror for a while, feeling guilty.
That's not lip balm at all, it's clearly... being kissed.
But what about yesterday, Your Majesty?
His marks are so obvious, is everything normal, Your Majesty?
Holding his breath, perhaps because he was unwilling to accept it, Xie Ling couldn't help but take a look while eating lunch.
Then I noticed that there was not even a trace at the corner of His Majesty's lips.
Only him! His lips were so red that they attracted everyone's attention. Not only Qian Ming, but even Eunuch Wang had been staring at them for a long time today.
Wang Bao was different from Qian Ming who knew nothing. He knew that His Majesty and Master Xie had a special relationship. When he saw the change in Master Xie's face, his expression became meaningful.
It looks like His Majesty took action again yesterday.
He coughed lightly, and then he heard the eunuch beside him whisper something, and then he brought the food up.
"Your Majesty, thank you, Master. This is the tonic soup that the kitchen just made."
"It's freezing cold, drink a bowl to warm yourself up."
Xie Ling looked at Eunuch Wang strangely, feeling that this tonic soup seemed to have a different meaning. But Eunuch Wang looked so natural, which made him wonder if he was overthinking it. After hesitating for a moment, he scooped up a bowl.
Well, don't say that.
The soups from the imperial kitchen were as consistently good as ever.
Delicious!
After drinking a mouthful of hot soup, his whole body warmed up. Xie Ling breathed a sigh of relief and looked to the side.
"Your Majesty, will you drink?"
"Can I help you scoop a bowl?"
Xiao Huan was not planning to drink the tonic soup. He was in good health, and this soup was specially made for Xie Ling. But when the other party looked at him eagerly, he paused and said, "Go ahead and scoop it up."
With these words, Xie Ling happily reached out and poured another bowl for His Majesty. When their eyes met, he was ready to watch His Majesty drink it.
Xiao Huan raised his eyebrows.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Xie Ling said righteously: "Recently, the war has been chaotic, and this is when Your Majesty is needed. Your Majesty must take care of your health."
"I can't do anything else, but I can monitor your majesty's health."
This was extremely outrageous, but when Xiao Huan read the word "supervision", he felt better. When his eyes met with Xie Ling's, he looked away and drank the bowl of hot soup.
Just as Xie Ling was about to take the bowl, he heard His Majesty say, "Don't call yourself a commoner anymore."
Xie Ling: If he doesn't call himself a commoner, what should he call himself? He hasn't passed the imperial examination yet.
Xiao Huan glanced at him and said, "Don't you usually say "I" very enthusiastically?"
"Why don't you dare now?"
Well, I don’t think I’m afraid.
Xie Ling was a little embarrassed. Although he had traveled to ancient times, sometimes it was still difficult to change his verbal habits. He had accidentally said "I" a few times before, but His Majesty Emperor Wu had never corrected him, causing him to almost forget it.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
The young man opposite had a serious expression on his face and did not refuse after hearing his words.
Xiao Huan curled the corners of his lips and put down the bowl.
…
The battle in Yinshan was in full swing. Chang Yun had been well prepared and rushed directly to Anlu City after receiving the order. This time, because there was enough time and food and grass had been secretly sent ahead, the Weiyuan Army successfully blocked the Xiongnu Xubu tribe.
The Huns were delayed in getting the news and thought that this time would be the same as in the past. After capturing the merchants in exchange for food, before they had time to retreat, the leader of the Subu tribe was captured alive by the Weiyuan Army.
Fires flickered in Anlu City, and everyone was excited all night.
After the news was passed back to the court, it also caused a slight commotion. However, Prince Shun looked at the news from the border and looked at His Majesty.
"After all, the Xubu tribe is only one of the six tribes under the new Chanyu." And because of the previous civil strife between Da Yanshi and the third prince, the Xubu tribe was not taken seriously. Although the capture of the leader of the Xubu tribe was a victory, the impact on the Xiongnu royal court was far less than that.
It was because Wuluyan wanted to test Dagan that he left the Subu tribe behind on purpose, wanting to see Dagan's military strength.
Xiao Huan naturally knew it too: "I know."
"Uluyan also knows that."
"This test between the Huns and Dagan is just a small step. In the end, they need to face off head-on." This is the key to determining victory or defeat.
The battlefield will eventually come down to the direct battle between the two armies.
The private army in the camp outside the capital has been integrated with the original soldiers. He narrowed his eyes and looked at the envelope in his hand.
Chang Yun had captured the leader of the Subu tribe alive for three days and had just asked him how to deal with this foreigner.
Xiao Huan looked at Xie Ling and suddenly asked, "What do you think?"
Xie Ling: Huh? How come he's here all of a sudden?
Xie Ling, who was called, stood up.
Xie Ling had been present at the private meetings these days, and everyone had gotten used to it. Especially Prince Shun, who had paid more attention to him after seeing how much His Majesty depended on this young man, and Xie Ling's performance these days was also very surprising.
Prince Shun knew that he was a candidate in this year's exam. However, regardless of his knowledge, this young man was very similar to His Majesty in terms of strategy. This alone was enough to impress people. After all, few students nowadays were able to understand military strategy.
Prince Shun had met some of the people who took part in this imperial examination before, but they were too young and immature to understand this military expedition.
He shook his head slightly, thinking about the current direction of the imperial examination, and knew that he could not go on like this, but all this would probably have to come after the Xiongnu incident.
After reading General Chang's letter, Xie Ling thought for a while.
All his long period of study was not in vain. He was smart, and with the help of his teacher's hard work and the assistance of modern knowledge, he was able to quickly analyze the situation in combination with history.
According to historical records, the battle of Anlu City ended too late, and the leader of the Subu tribe was not captured. After the Subu tribe exchanged things with the Lang tribe, they left, giving Daganhao a slap in the face.
From the fact that the ones left at the bottom were the Xubu tribe and the Lang tribe, we can tell that although the Xiongnu tribes were integrated, Uluyen did not value the tribes that were not his trusted ones, especially the Xubu tribe and the tribes that supported Dayanshi in the beginning.
The Subu tribe might not have been unaware of this, otherwise they would not have stayed behind to be a target. This should be the Subu tribe's surrender and loyalty to the new Great Khan.
So on the surface it seemed that the leader of the Subu tribe was abandoned, and maybe he would be of great use if he was released back, but in reality, plans had already been made when he was left behind.
The Xubu tribe in the Xiongnu royal court must have a new leader, so killing him or not will not make much difference. In this case, it is better to behead him at the city gate and severely kill the Xiongnu's spirit.
After all, being soft-hearted is absolutely useless when dealing with the Huns.
Xie Ling organized his words and expressed his thoughts one by one.
The Minister of War looked down on this young man at first, thinking that Xie Ling was being kept here by His Majesty as an exception just to curry favor with his superiors. But when he heard that he was ranked ninth in the provincial examination, his opinion changed a little.
At this moment, I didn't agree with what he said.
"If so, how can we anger the Huns?"
Prince Shun sighed and looked at the Minister of War.
"Did the Xiongnu plunder Anlu City in the beginning because they were provoked?"
There was no question of being angry or not, it was just that the Huns coveted the prosperity of the Central Plains, that's all.
Greed gave rise to provocation no matter what. The Xiongnu would not launch a massive attack just because a leader of the Subu tribe died, but they would be afraid because the leader of the Subu tribe had his head hung on the city wall.
Prince Shun's words left the Minister of War speechless.
At this time, the Minister of Revenue also stood up and said, "I also agree with Prince Shun's words."
Several ministers spoke one after another, and Xiao Huan tapped the table.
He had intended to kill Xubu from the very beginning, and just now he just called out his name temporarily. After hearing the arguments of the ministers below, Xiao Huan raised his eyes calmly.
"I also think that he should be killed."
Wang Bao lowered his head and heard His Majesty say, "Send the message to Chang Yun as fast as possible."
"We must severely deter the Xiongnu from entering the Yin Mountains."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Wang Bao stepped back solemnly and immediately delivered the letter.
When the people in Anlu City received the imperial order, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
The Xubu tribe had committed many evil deeds and had harmed countless innocent people over the years. If they were not killed, it would be hard to accept. Fortunately, the imperial court's order made people feel relieved.
The commander of Anlu City could not help but say: "I had never seen Your Majesty in the past when I was far away in the border town, and I just felt that it was normal. It was only when the war started recently that I realized that it was Your Majesty."
If someone else ascended the throne, or if Prince Cheng and others became emperor, it is unknown how this war would have turned out.
They had been stationed in the Yinshan Anlu area for many years, and knew the Xiongnu's hateful ambitions better than the court officials far away in the Central Plains. If they did not send troops this time, it would only whet the Xiongnu's appetite.
Their eyes met, and Chang Yun stood up and wiped the halberd beside him.
"Have someone bring out the leader of the Subu tribe."
…
Da Gan's action really surprised the six tribes of the Xiongnu. Wuluyan rode on his horse, looking across the mountain at Anlu City, his face grim.
The leaders of several tribes nearby were also a little restless.
"Chanyu, Dagan is really going too far."
"Not only did they kill Subrochi, but they also hung his body on the city wall. This is clearly a provocation to our six tribes."
As the Chanyu's confidant, Wulu was the first to get impatient: "How about I count the troops and lead them to charge into Anlu City?"
Wu Luyan frowned and looked at him.
"Quiet!"
The Chanyu's prestige was still there, and several people fell silent.
"Take people to charge into Anlu, how do you know there is no preparation in Anlu city?" This time, Da Gan's reaction was faster than they expected. Although the Subu tribe was deliberately left behind to cover their retreat, Wuluyan did not expect it to be so fast.
Moreover, the decision to dispatch troops was confirmed so quickly within the Dagan organization... His expression darkened.
This attempt failed, and he raised his hand slightly.
"Withdraw from Yinshan first."
"Chanyu!"
The confidant beside him hesitated.
Wu Luyan said: "We didn't plan to send troops at this time."
"Being blinded by anger will only lead to loss of judgment."
One sentence calmed down the confidant who had just been excited: "Please forgive me, Chanyu."
Wu Luyan shook his head: "It's just a temporary victory or defeat."
"It doesn't mean anything."
The leaders of the six tribes lowered their heads slightly and dared not say anything more.
For ten whole days, there was no movement from the Huns, and Subrochi's head was hung on the wall to deter others until the end of the year.
Because he had been preparing for battle every day during this period, Xie Ling did not notice that time had passed so quickly. It was only when the system reminded him that he realized it belatedly.
"What, it's almost New Year's Day?"
System: "Host, isn't it almost the New Year?"
"It's Chinese New Year tomorrow."
Because of the Yinshan War and the long-distance confrontation with the Huns, the atmosphere in the palace was not very lively this year, and even the red silk from previous years was not hung.
As a result, Xie Ling walked in the snow for several days without any reaction.
The Chinese New Year is coming soon.
He shook his head slightly: "This year's New Year will definitely be tense, and the palace will definitely be quiet."
"But it should be fine outside."
The war has not yet affected the capital, and Xie Ling has been out of the capital as usual, and has not affected the people. This is also because His Majesty made preparations in advance, so that no one has incited the price of grain.
He walked while holding the book, and only put it down and occupied the study room after he reached it!
Your Majesty rarely stayed in the palace these days. After dealing with state affairs, he went to the camp outside the capital to train troops. He almost always came back in the evening.
Xie Ling yawned, looked at the sky and decided to wait for His Majesty to come back in the evening.
After Xiao Huan returned from the army, he saw the candle light in the study from afar and paused slightly.
"Xie Ling hasn't slept yet?"
Wang Bao bent down and said, "Master Xie has been reviewing since this afternoon, and he said he was waiting for you, Your Majesty."
Xiao Huan was slightly moved and walked into the study room, where he saw Xie Ling, who was already drowsy, struggling to stay awake.
Both of them were busy during this period, not only him, but also Xie Ling. They just finished the meeting in the morning and had to review in the afternoon. The young man opposite was so sleepy that he couldn't open his eyes.
From time to time, you have to rely on the system's electronic sound reminders.
As soon as the system saw someone coming in, it quickly said, "Host, wake up, His Majesty is here."
Ah? Your Majesty is back?
The man who was holding on slapped his head, opened his eyes and saw the figure in front of him.
Xiao Huan, who had just returned from the military camp, was still covered in snow. He did not approach too close, but just stood far away. He frowned after watching him pat his head.
"If you feel sleepy, go to sleep. What are you waiting for me to do?"
Xiao Huan's voice became a little deeper as he saw how hard Xie Ling had hit him just now.
Xie Ling: …
Your Majesty is such a straight man!
The golden words above his head flashed by.
He couldn't help but complain, and then said: "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that the New Year is tomorrow."
Xiao Huan paused for a moment before he remembered that he had not forgotten it, but the New Year celebrations in the palace were not very lively, so he never cared much about it.
But this year seems a little different.
Xie Ling looked at His Majesty who had not rested for several days, and could not help but said seriously: "Your Majesty, please take a day off."
"My body won't be able to bear it if this continues, let alone deal with the war."
Xiao Huan: "I have already given the soldiers a leave."
Xie Ling: "So what about your Majesty?"
Even an iron man wouldn't use it this way, right? He was just thinking about how to persuade His Majesty when he heard His Majesty's voice: "I listen to you."
"Well"
Wait, what did your majesty just say?
Listen to him?
He opened his eyes slightly.
Xiao Huan glanced at him and said, "Let's celebrate the New Year together tomorrow."
Xie Ling: "Oh, yes, Your Majesty."
…
Xie Ling was dazed when he was allowed to go back. It was not until he walked out of the inner hall that he suddenly remembered.
Wait, why was Your Majesty so far away from him just now?
System: "Perhaps you are afraid that the snow on your coat will make you too cold and catch a cold?"
Xie Ling was choked and for a moment he didn't know whether he should be moved or not.
But, it seems like something has been forgotten?
"Tongzi, what did I want to do when I supervised His Majesty?"
The system hesitated for a moment before saying, "Tell Emperor Wu not to stay up late to read military books at night?"
Xie Ling: …
"So why am I back?"
System: Who knows?
Realizing that something was wrong, Xie Ling and the system looked at each other, then clapped their hands and turned back, vowing to supervise His Majesty.
As soon as Wang Bao came out, he saw Master Xie coming back from afar.
"Thank you, sir."
The eunuchs in the hall were already outside. Wang Bao looked up and asked curiously.
"Why is Mr. Xie back?"
Xie Ling shook his head:
"Don't worry about me, Eunuch Wang. I'll go in and take a look."
Wang Bao hesitated to speak, wanting to say that His Majesty was bathing at the moment. But then he thought... what Master Xie said should be nothing, right?
He swallowed the words in his mouth.
Holding the whisk, he watched Master Xie go in and closed the palace door.
After Xie Ling came back, he glanced at the study.
Very good, His Majesty is not in the study, so he probably is not handling any more official business.
Xie Ling walked to the back hall again, but as soon as he entered, he realized belatedly that something was wrong.
——The heat inside the hall is thicker than outside.
As soon as Xie Ling pushed open the screen, he was caught off guard and saw His Majesty bathing.
The bathtub was filled with hot steam.
Xiao Huan took off his cloak and closed his eyes. After hearing the noise, he suddenly opened his eyes, but unexpectedly it was Xie Ling.
For a moment, Xie Ling felt his scalp tingling with embarrassment. He didn't expect to run into His Majesty bathing.
No, why didn’t Eunuch Wang tell him? If he had known, he wouldn’t have come in.
The disadvantages of being able to enter without notifying were revealed at this moment. Xie Ling coughed lightly and immediately explained:
"Well, Your Majesty, I said I took the wrong path, do you believe me?"
As he spoke, he stepped back, carefully retreating behind the screen.
At this time, His Majesty said calmly: "Stop."
Xie Ling stopped and felt that he was finished. It was fine before he didn't know what His Majesty was thinking. He was upright and upright and was not afraid at all.
But now he had a vague feeling that any action that crossed the line would make him feel uneasy. At this time, he felt his ears turn red, especially when he saw His Majesty's abdominal muscles in the bathtub.
Depend on.
It turned out that the emperor was not talking nonsense. No matter how many times he looked at it, Xie Ling felt his heart beating faster.
I used to think it was cool, but now it’s just a bunch of random thoughts.
There was silence in the air. Xie Ling didn't know why His Majesty asked him to stop. At this time, he could only stay behind the screen quietly.
He was so bored that he was about to say something, but then he found that the system had gone offline as soon as he entered the hall, as if it was avoiding him.
Xie Ling: …
This guy?
He was full of questions, and seeing that he couldn't find the system, he had to look inside again. He found that no one spoke for a long time, so he asked tentatively.
"His Majesty?"
Xiao Huan closed his eyes.
Xie Ling frowned slightly, wondering why His Majesty asked him to stop without saying anything. Perhaps because of the screen between them, the nervous and uncomfortable mood he had just felt was slightly relieved, and Xie Ling hesitated for a moment.
"Your Majesty, can I leave now?"
Supervision is not a one-time thing. Seeing that His Majesty is preparing to take a bath and rest today, he should not stay up late tonight, right? Then he can go back without any worries.
Just as Xie Ling was thinking this, he suddenly heard His Majesty say in a deep voice: "Call me by my name."
"What?"
He looked up blankly.
The next moment, she sensed something wrong in the aroma of ambergris, and when she called out the name "Xiao Huan", her face flushed as she realized what His Majesty was... doing.
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