Chapter 56 How can you trust a man's words in bed?
Ten days later. Outside Beijing, at the Beilu Camp.
The morning light penetrated the clouds, coating the towering reviewing platform and the dark array of soldiers with a layer of solemn golden edge.
Hundreds of officials stood on both sides of the stage, wearing scarlet robes and jade belts, with different expressions, their eyes focused on the bright yellow figure high above.
Wen Xing, who rarely stayed in bed today, did not even wear his usual clothes. Instead, he changed into a solemn and complicated imperial robe.
The jade beaded crown tassel hung down, covering most of his expression, revealing only his graceful yet sharp jawline.
It actually reveals a rare imperial majesty.
Ning Wujie, wearing silver armor, stood at the bottom of the steps, looking up at the majestic image of an emperor on the high steps that he had never seen before, and was stunned for a moment.
He always felt that His Majesty had a sense of aloofness and superiority today. Was it because of this imperial robe?
Li Dequan unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict, and his shrill voice was carried far away by the wind.
"...the Xiang thief, upon hearing the ritual, disgraced himself as a member of the royal family, and without appreciating the emperor's grace, he brazenly raised an army..."
"...Today, Jinning Wujie is appointed Grand Marshal to suppress the rebellion, commanding all the troops and horses in the country, and serving as the governor to support the emperor. I grant him the imperial seal and axe! This is my decree."
"Control the troops of the world"!
The officials below the stage were instantly in an uproar.
Since the founding of this dynasty, there has never been a position with such great power.
This meant that the military power of the entire dynasty was handed over without reservation to this eighteen-year-old boy. No one could compete with him, and even the emperor became a puppet!
Delegating power in this way is putting the emperor in danger!
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" Xu Chongyun hurriedly stepped forward. "Although General Ning is brave and valiant, he is young and inexperienced. He may have difficulty commanding the support of the people if he suddenly ascends to the throne!"
"I second the motion!"
"Your Majesty, it would be safer for the Duke of Zhenguo to take charge of this position."
"Your Majesty! Once this precedent is set, there will be endless troubles!"
Voices of persuasion and remonstration rose one after another, and almost half of the civil servants knelt down.
Delegating power in this way is putting the emperor in danger!
Wu Jing, who was standing in the team of generals, was also stunned, and his whole body was trembling in the wind.
Who is he and where is he?
Why did His Majesty imprison the Ning father and son just a few days ago, and then immediately give Ning Wujie the power to command all the troops?!
What on earth happened?!
His mind raced, and he suddenly recalled that when he was seeing off the Ning father and son a few days ago, he seemed to have heard Ning Buhuo say that His Majesty was testing them.
Oh! He understands!
So Ning Wujie passed the test and can be entrusted with an important task!
But this is too heavy!
Your Majesty, have you completely entrusted your life to Wujie?!
Wu Jing didn't understand and was deeply shocked.
His childhood friend can now change the dynasty with just a flick of his finger!
This is...true love!
Civil and military officials kowtowed like crazy, each of them heartbroken.
Fortunately, the Grand Tutor is seriously ill, otherwise there would have been another pillar-banging scene.
Wen Xing looked at everyone expressionlessly. His voice, carried through the slightly swaying crown, was calm yet filled with a cold and decisive tone: "My mind is made up. No further words are needed."
He turned his gaze to the silver-armored youth standing solemnly below the stage, "I am well aware of Ning Qing's abilities. I believe that Ning Qing will be able to crush the rebellious bandits and uphold the country."
As soon as he finished speaking, he personally raised the gilded axe, walked down the steps, and handed it to Ning Wujie who was kneeling on one knee.
Ning Wujie raised his head, and the silver helmet tassel moved in the wind.
"I will obey your order."
Holding the axe in his hand, he suddenly turned around, faced the thousands of soldiers below the stage, and raised the axe high.
"I will not return to the court until I have quelled the rebellion!"
“Woo——!”
The deep and powerful sound of the horn rose into the sky.
"I will not return to the court until I have quelled the rebellion!"
"I will not return to the court until I have quelled the rebellion!"
The army suddenly erupted in thunderous shouts, the sound waves shaking the earth.
Ning Wujie jumped onto the horse, and the horse let out a loud and long neigh, and its crimson cloak rustled.
"Move out!"
The black torrent surged slowly, and the soldiers marched towards the north with heavy and orderly steps.
Ning Wujie's horse took a few steps and suddenly stopped. He glanced at the formation but did not find any imperial procession.
He couldn't help but frown and turned his horse's head to look at Wen Xing.
"Your Majesty, where is your palanquin?"
However, the line of his lips, revealed beneath the imperial crown, slowly lifted as he said, "Ning Qing, have a safe journey."
Ning Wujie's expression changed, and he immediately reacted and asked in a deep voice, "You promised me that you would go together!"
Wen Xing walked slowly over, stopped in front of his horse, and hooked his finger at him.
Ning Wujie leaned forward, and the tyrant emperor came closer, the crown tassel brushing the back of his neck, and his slender lips pressed against his ear, his voice light and airy: "Ning Qing, how can you be so naive? How can you trust a man's words in bed?"
Do you really think he's blinded by lust?
It's okay to coax people, but how could a lazy guy go to march and fight?
Ning Wujie's pupils shrank, and his anger suddenly ignited. Before he could open his mouth, he saw the tyrant emperor suddenly retreat a few steps, curled his lips and waved at him: "Go quickly, don't delay the time."
This tyrant emperor really lied to him!
He was so furious that the reins of his horse were almost broken. His eyes were fixed on the figure. Most of the emperor's face was hidden by the crown and his expression could not be seen, but he swore that the man was smiling!
He really wanted to take this hateful man on horseback, lock him up, and beat him severely...
But the tyrant emperor's thin lips under his crown opened and closed, and he made a mouth shape: Wait, for, you, to come back.
Ning Wujie's expression froze for a moment, and he finally suppressed his anger. He gritted his teeth and said reluctantly, "Your Majesty, I obey your order."
Waiting.
When I come back, I will make sure you can’t get out of bed!
Thinking of this, he took a last deep look at Wen Xing, then pulled the reins and rode away with a self-deprecating determination.
Wen Xing stood there, watching Ning Wujie's back gradually disappear into the distance.
Seeing that he didn't move for a long time, Li Dequan couldn't help but feel distressed and sighed. His Majesty's beloved is gone, and His Majesty must be very sad.
If you are so reluctant, then don't let people go to war.
Why.
The old eunuch shook his head and advised, "Your Majesty, it's windy outside, go back."
Wen Xing watched Ning Wujie's back completely disappear from his sight before he withdrew his gaze and held Li Dequan's arm to board the sedan chair.
The sedan chair rose up and slowly moved towards the palace gate.
Wen Xing looked at the palace wall in front of him, and the corners of his lips slowly rose.
Waiting.
When you come back, it will be time for me to retire!
*
It was late autumn and the dew was heavy. The emperor's carriage stopped outside the Taifu Mansion.
The mansion was filled with a strong smell of medicine. The old man who had once looked full of energy now lay emaciated on the bed, his breathing a hoarse sound.
Seeing the emperor in person, Fang Bingyuan tried to sit up with all his strength, but was held down by Wen Xing.
"No need to be so polite, Master."
Wen Xing sat down on the edge of the couch and motioned Zhai Yuanqing to come forward and take his pulse.
"I have noticed that the Grand Tutor has always been in good spirits. How did he suddenly become so ill?"
Fang Bingyuan took a breath and laughed at himself, "Xia Mo fell down at the doorstep and couldn't get up. I'm old, I can't help but accept it."
Zhai Yuanqing carefully took Wen Xing's pulse, his brow furrowing ever tighter. After a moment, he stood up and, while packing his medicine box, quickly gave Wen Xing a heavy, helpless look and shook his head slightly.
Wen Xing's heart sank.
The system prompts that Fang Bingyuan died in the winter of the 14th year of Yongjing, which was the year before the dynasty collapsed.
Only one year left?
However, it might be a good thing for the old man not to have to see the country he had worked so hard to support for three dynasties go to ruin.
Zhai Yuanqing looked at the Grand Tutor, a reassuring smile on his face. "Master Grand Tutor, please don't worry too much. Your illness is the result of overwork. Just rest and take your medicine on time, and you will get better."
Fang Bingyuan's cloudy eyes moved, and he nodded with difficulty. He then turned to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Your Majesty has granted Lord Ning the power to control all the troops in the world? Your Majesty, this is a way to bring disaster upon yourself!"
He became excited and coughed violently, almost unable to breathe. Wen Xing hurried forward to rub his back.
After finally calming down, Fang Bingyuan tightly grasped Wen Xing's sleeve and refused to let go: "General Ning may be loyal, but power is the most corrupting thing! Your Majesty, placing the entire military power in the hands of one person is tantamount to standing on the edge of a precarious wall! Your Majesty, think twice!
Wen Xing patted the old man's hand and said, "Grandmaster, you worry too much. Prince Xiang is powerful, and nothing less than this is insufficient to inspire the soldiers. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. When I return after suppressing the rebellion, I will have my own plans."
It seems that by the time Ning Wujie comes back, Fang Bingyuan may no longer be around. This can only be considered as some consolation.
Fang Bingyuan finally relaxed his brows and nodded, "That's good... That's good. Your Majesty must take back the imperial seal when the time comes."
"Yeah." Wen Xing replied perfunctorily, feeling a little guilty: "I know."
At this moment, the maid brought in the freshly boiled medicine. Wen Xing took it and said, "Give it to me."
He tested the temperature himself, then carefully scooped up a spoonful and handed it to Fang Bingyuan's lips.
Fang Bingyuan was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief and his lips trembled.
"Your Majesty..." He drank the medicine from Wen Xing's hand, "This old minister... is useless. I can't share your Majesty's worries..."
"What are you talking about, Master? The most important thing is to rest and recuperate." Wen Xing fed him another spoonful.
Fang Bingyuan seemed to have regained some of his spirits after this sip of medicine, and he continued to advise: "Your Majesty... Now that the Wang faction has been annihilated, Prince Xiang has rebelled again. The court is plagued by internal and external troubles... Your Majesty must not continue to neglect state affairs as you have in the past."
"I know, I know. Don't worry, Grand Tutor. I will go to court and review memorials starting tomorrow." Wen Xing said these words calmly, even though he didn't believe them, and patiently fed the medicine one spoonful at a time.
Just a few nice words to comfort people, no big deal.
Wasn’t Ning Wujie also tricked by him into going to war?
Fang Bingyuan's pupils trembled violently upon hearing this, and tears streamed down his face. "Your Majesty... With your words, I can die with peace of mind!"
Wen Xing pulled the corner of his lips and said "hmm" perfunctorily.
Just as the bowl of medicine was almost empty, a voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Your Majesty! Urgent military report!"
Wen Xing's fingertips trembled, and he hurriedly handed the medicine bowl to the maid, then stood up and walked out.
The messenger fell to his knees, "Your Majesty! Our route has been revealed, and the rebels have set a heavy ambush!"
Wen Xing's expression suddenly changed, and his voice became tense: "Where's Ning Wujie?!"
The messenger handed over a wax-sealed letter. "General Ning saw the opportunity first, changed his route just in time, and personally led the vanguard to suppress the ambush. Although our army was caught by surprise, it suffered no damage and has since regrouped. This is General Ning's personal letter to Your Majesty!"
Wen Xing opened the letter and quickly scanned it. When he saw that Ning Wujie was fine, he was relieved at first, but when he saw the subsequent content, his face gradually gloomy again.
In a moment, the letter paper was crumpled into a ball in his palm.
There is actually a thief!
He said solemnly, "Pass on my decree. All officials of the fourth rank and above from the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Works, and the Five Military Commands' Offices are to enter the palace immediately. They are to inform you that the military situation on the front lines is urgent and that you are required to stay in the palace on rotation. No one is allowed to leave the palace until the war is over!"
*
In the imperial city under the cover of night, the Wuying Hall is brightly lit.
Dozens of officials in scarlet robes and jade belts were urgently summoned here, talking in low voices in groups of three or five.
One official complained, "They say this is a military emergency and they want us to be on standby at all times. But what if the battle lasts a year or two and we can't even go home? Isn't Your Majesty being too nervous?"
"That's because the one leading the troops is the apple of His Majesty's eye. If anything goes wrong, I'm afraid he'll be heartbroken."
"If that's the case, why let an eighteen-year-old take charge?!"
"Isn't that hard to guess? Isn't it just to flatter someone and give them this unparalleled military achievement?"
Everyone sighed and felt that their Majesty had been blinded by lust to the extreme!
You can favor them if you want, but you also have to lock them all up in the palace.
Only Xu Chongyun sat alone beside the desk, his face calm as he took a teacup and sipped lightly. His voice was neither too loud nor too low, just enough for the people around him to hear clearly: "Perhaps Your Majesty was frightened by the previous incident with the royal party, so he is being extra cautious. It's not surprising."
"Be cautious? I'm afraid this is a bit paranoid!"
An official seemed to be reminded, "Speaking of the Wang Party, have you heard that the Supervisory Office has recently raided the residences of several officials?"
Xu Chongyun said calmly, "They say that letters with the Wang Party were found in their homes, and they've been imprisoned. But back then, the Wang Party was so powerful, who in the court hadn't exchanged a few letters with them?"
He stopped talking here, but the officials' expressions changed slightly.
An official from the Ministry of Personnel turned pale and couldn't help asking, "Master Xu, are you saying that even a simple letter of greeting would be viewed with suspicion?"
Xu Chongyun's gaze fell on the man's face, and he said meaningfully, "That depends on how Your Majesty views these 'ordinary' interactions."
"But Lord Sun Jing has never had any connection with the Wang Party, so there's no need to worry."
Sun Jing's expression grew even more tense upon hearing this. However, he suddenly raised his voice, "Of course. I have always been distinct from the Wang faction."
Xu Chongyun said slowly, "Your Majesty has indeed become more suspicious in recent years. Even Ning Zheng, who has made outstanding contributions and is loyal, was not set up by Your Majesty to test him?"
His tone suddenly changed again, "However, although His Majesty is suspicious, he also clearly distinguishes rewards and punishments. Once you pass the test, the rewards will be very generous. Look at the Ning family now that they are at the peak of their prosperity. They are the envy of others."
The officials were stunned by these words.
"Your Majesty summoned us to stay in the palace this time. Could it be... a test?"
Upon hearing this, Sun Jing's face turned even paler, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around his sleeves.
At this moment, when they heard the words "Your Majesty has arrived", all the ministers straightened their clothes and lined up to welcome him.
Wen Xing walked calmly into the palace and headed for the throne. He was still dressed in a plain Taoist robe, the wide hem of which trailed on the ground, making his figure look thin and slender.
Wang Jiang followed Wen Xing closely and finally stood beside the throne, his position subtle yet conspicuous.
This abrupt arrangement caused many ministers in the hall to look surprised and puzzled.
Then the emperor said straight to the point: "I believe you are all aware of the reason why I summoned you here, so I will not elaborate on it."
"This campaign against the Xiang rebels is extremely intense, and I rely on your concerted efforts. From this day forward, all matters related to suppressing the rebellion, including military deployment, rationing, and personnel allocation, will be handled by the Lord Wang on my behalf. You must cooperate fully and make no mistakes."
Ministers:?!
The inexperienced Wang Jiang was placed above all the important officials and put in charge of the military affairs to suppress the rebellion?!
...Why does this recipe sound so familiar?
Someone reacted immediately.
Your Majesty's beloved girl has just left, and now he can't wait to replace her with a beautiful young man for favor?
Your Majesty really thinks he is a romantic and cannot be without someone by his side for a moment!
All kinds of gazes, some of which were contemptuous, some jealous, and some inquiring, fell on Wang Jiang as if they were real.
In the eyes of everyone, he stood solemnly beside the emperor, and his straight crimson official uniform made him look quite high-spirited.
However, Wang Jiang himself felt very uncomfortable and didn't know what to do.
He leaned close to Wen Xing's ear and lowered his voice very low, "Your Majesty, I am too inexperienced to handle these ministers."
Wen Xing said leisurely: "It's okay, just do as I say."
The emperor's voice was unquestionable.
Wang Jiang frowned and smiled bitterly. His Majesty's "order" was actually very simple.
While in charge of military affairs, he quietly leaked the carefully crafted false intelligence to lure the enemy out of its lair. However, this seemingly simple task had to be carried out under the questioning eyes of all the important officials in the court, which was extremely stressful.
He took a deep breath, and finally said helplessly, "Your Majesty... obey your command."
No one noticed that at this moment, two shadow guards, one big and one small, were sitting side by side on the beam.
Xinghe curiously leaned over to Suixing's shoulder and stretched his neck. "What are you drawing?"
Suixing held a hardcover notebook in his hand, his charcoal pencil moving rapidly across the paper, making a soft, rustling sound. The image of the emperor and his ministers leaning over the throne, whispering, was vividly depicted.
Suixing didn't even look up, his brush still lingering, "This is called shadow painting."
Xinghe was puzzled: "What's it for?"
"One of the ways the Supervisory Office monitors the behavior of officials," Suixing explained, "is to record their whereabouts and secret meetings for evidence."
To put it bluntly, it is a portrait used for surveillance.
Xinghe scratched his head and asked in confusion, "But isn't the person you're painting the master? Is the master also an official?"
Jupiter choked.
He paused, realizing he had let something slip, and quickly began to speak in a serious tone, "Aren't all the people here officials except His Majesty?"
"Oh." Xinghe blinked, then stared at the painting in Suixing's hand for a while, "But you didn't draw other officials, only the master, oh, and that Wang Jiang."
Jupiter choked and coughed.
Then he choked and forced an explanation: "Yes, the painting is of Wang Jiang." After saying that, he glanced guiltily at the emperor below.
Xinghe uttered an "Oh," but finally stopped investigating. Instead, he said excitedly, "You Inspectors also need to be able to paint? Teach me someday. When I learn it, I'll brag to my master!"
Suixing said "hmm" perfunctorily twice and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
I forgot that Xinghe was His Majesty's personal guard, and I almost got exposed.
Lord Ning asked him to "take care" of His Majesty, and if he found any beautiful young men around His Majesty, especially Wang Jiang, he must report to Tuoying.
If His Majesty knew that I was being "taken care of" by the Inspector, I wonder what the consequences would be?
He shuddered at the thought.
Lord Ning really knows how to pick tasks for him!
He sighed inwardly, but dared not stop his hands. His charcoal pencil quickly sketched, freezing on the paper the obedient monarch and his ministers beside the throne.
After finishing the painting, he carefully tore off the drawing paper and stuffed it into a special mailbox.
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The author has something to say: The emperor is a playboy in bed, but he turns his back on people outside the bed.
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