Su Wanwan suppressed the multitude of thoughts swirling in her mind, and finally simply said:
"That's true, but the methods are so violent and cruel, the backlash will definitely be significant. You should be prepared."
This "you all" made Steward Li ponder for a while.
Su Wanwan added, "We must also do a good job of comforting and providing relief to the ordinary people in Jinling."
Chief Steward Li respectfully replied, "This servant obeys. I will go and deliver the message to the Directorate of Ceremonial."
Su Wanwan sat there for a long time without moving.
...
When Liu Jin saw Steward Li visiting, he naturally received him politely, speaking with neither servility nor arrogance.
Among the people close to the emperor, Zhang Yong was the military governor, Liu Jin was in power, and Li Rong managed various close affairs for the emperor.
The three of them each had their own area of expertise and did not interfere with each other.
Manager Li didn't beat around the bush; after exchanging pleasantries, he went straight to the matter of the Nanjing fire.
Liu Jin's eyelids twitched violently.
The emperor had already entrusted him with all state affairs, yet Chief Eunuch Li still dared to interfere.
Is it that the Emperor has some objection, or something else?
After thinking it over, he tentatively asked, "Has Li Daban been frequently visiting Kunning Palace lately?"
Steward Li didn't mince words, and calmly said:
"His Majesty ordered me to set up the Inner Affairs Bureau, to be at the Empress's command, yet the Grand Chancellor was unaware of this?"
Liu Jin's expression changed little by little, becoming increasingly grim.
He had a vague feeling about this, but he never expected it to be this serious.
Back then, the power of the Western Depot terrified all civil and military officials, as well as eunuchs both inside and outside the court.
Now, the Empress has quietly persuaded the Emperor to establish an internal affairs bureau without making a sound.
Ma Ji, on the other hand, was betrothed to a distant place, completely losing her qualification to enter the palace and compete for the emperor's favor.
The empress held absolute power in the harem, and no one could restrain her.
These methods and schemes are truly terrifying.
In addition, there's the imperial heir in her womb. If something were to happen to the emperor one day, wouldn't the empire fall into her hands?
If Liu Jin hadn't experienced the taste of imperial power, he probably wouldn't have been so shocked and found it so hard to accept.
...
When Lu Xingjian returned, it was already dark, and he reeked of alcohol.
He plopped down on the tatami mat in the living room and wouldn't get up.
Su Wanwan hurriedly ordered someone to cook a hangover soup and also asked someone to bring a warm, damp cloth.
His face was flushed, his gaze was somewhat fixed, and the corners of his eyes were also red.
Upon seeing Su Wanwan, he pushed away Meng Yue, who was helping him, and insisted on getting closer to her.
Su Wanwan felt uncomfortable from the smell of alcohol, and just as she covered her nose, he put his arm around her waist.
Lu Xingjian nuzzled his head against her chest, then tried to open his sleepy eyes and look up at her, his hazy gaze filled with grievance.
"My wife, you mustn't dislike me."
Su Wanwan frowned, but still lowered her hand from her nose and hugged him.
Why did you drink so much?
As she spoke, she took the damp cloth from the maid and prepared to wipe his face.
Lu Xingjian waved for the palace maid to leave, his tone impatient and warning:
"Don't even think about making a move on my wife."
The young palace maid was terrified and quickly looked at Su Wanwan.
She didn't do anything.
Su Wanwan: "..."
She soothed the young palace maid and told her to leave, then carefully wiped his face and hands with mixed feelings, gently comforting him:
"I'm a jinx, nobody wants to mess with me."
Lu Xingjian squinted and babbled drunkenly:
"no……"
"It's a blessing, a lucky star."
Su Wanwan gently touched his angular face, removed the black jade crown from his head, and echoed him:
"Okay, he's a lucky star."
"Drink the hangover soup, okay?"
Lu Xingjian's voice became hoarse, and he held her tightly, refusing to let go.
"sorry."
Su Wanwan paused, her hand about to pick up the bowl of hangover soup, wondering why he suddenly brought this up.
The two of them haven't argued recently.
Did I really do something to wrong her?
Her tone was gentle and calm. "What's wrong?"
If he meant to say that he had slept with some woman while drunk, she was prepared for that.
Lu Xingjian's brows were furrowed tightly, his voice suppressed with pain and an indescribable bitterness, until he almost lost his voice.
"It's my fault for making you suffer so much..."
Su Wanwan was stunned.
She loosened and tightened her hands repeatedly, looking down at him with mixed feelings.
She slowly raised her trembling fingers to touch his thick, black hair.
How can he be considered useless?
His civil and military achievements, courage, and strategic acumen are all excellent.
At a young age, he was able to intimidate his ministers and curb the ambitions of the vassal kings.
My father's saying, "If you want to climb a high mountain, you must endure its dangers," couldn't be more apt.
As the Empress, she has faced numerous threats and dangers in the past six months.
As the emperor who is the center of attention, the pressure and danger he faces behind his dazzling glory are only deeper and greater than hers.
Just like today's military parade, he only presented her with the most glorious and solemn results.
She was unaware of the sweat, hard work, and effort she put into daily training.
Su Wanwan lowered her head and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, then kissed his eyes.
"We're husband and wife, why are you apologizing?"
Lu Xingjian's nose was a little stuffy, and his voice was muffled.
"My wife, you are so good to me."
She coaxed him to drink the hangover soup sip by sip, and asked Heying to help her carry him to the bedroom.
Lu Xingjian, however, drunkenly pushed Heying away.
"Get out of my way... I have a wife!"
Su Wanwan: ...
Crane Shadow: ...
The master and servant looked at each other in bewilderment.
Su Wanwan could only ask He Ying to help her.
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