Chapter 78: The New Dynasty: Zhaoming Reign
The news that the remnants of the previous dynasty had been wiped out spread throughout Dali, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Lou Wanqiao returned to the palace to report. Li Su saw that she had handled the matter satisfactorily and looked as if it was within her expectations.
"Your Majesty, has this been calculated?" Lou Wanqiao was curious.
Li Su shook his head. "Don't worry about that. Your ability is unquestionable."
Lou Wanqiao shrugged: "Your Majesty really thinks highly of me."
Fortunately, Li Jin stopped his crazy behavior at the last moment. If he really didn't care about the consequences, Lou Wanqiao estimated that he would have to spend a lot of effort.
But it doesn't matter. Now that all the hard work has paid off, there is no need to worry about him counterattacking.
Speaking of which…
Lou Wanqiao subconsciously thought of another person.
Li Lie.
It's been a while since I heard from him. Li Lie seems to be much more obedient than Li Suan. He hasn't caused any trouble these days. Lou Wanqiao almost forgot about his existence.
As sworn enemies for years, Lou Wanqiao believed he knew his enemy, understanding Li Lie even better than Li Jin. He was a shrewd man, willing to do anything to achieve his own goals, but also knowing when to avoid the spotlight.
Just as Lou Wanqiao was contemplating how to lure him out, Li Su, standing beside him, spoke carefully, "Zizhao... I have something I want to tell you."
"Hmm?" Lou Wanqiao looked up at him. "Your Majesty, please feel free to speak."
"If Dali ignores you, what are your plans?"
She was stunned, not expecting Li Su to ask such a question. Just as she was about to answer, she heard him continue, "Zizhao is now the king of Dazhao, so there's no need to address me as Your Majesty. It's just that Dazhao lacks a king, and Dali also... lacks a Dali Temple Minister."
Lou Wanqiao didn't quite understand what he meant, and just when she was confused, she suddenly understood the next second.
Because Li Su unveiled the screen in front of her, and behind the screen was hanging the empress's dragon robe.
That is the unique embroidery method of Dali, with fine patterns and the dragons circling on it appearing lifelike.
She was a little shocked, her expression solemn: "Yuesheng, you are..."
"Zizhao." Li Su stood before the dragon robe, his smile as indifferent as ever. It instantly reminded her of the look on his face when he turned to look at her in the Sanqing Hall that year, a look filled with compassion. He seemed to have always been this indifferent, so meekly accepting all her arrangements, only showing his edge when her plans required it.
He said slowly, "I've pondered this for many nights. Although I'm the Prince of Dali, I haven't learned the ropes of governing a country. Publicly, it's you who meticulously planned and orchestrated everything, saving the empire from collapse and rescuing Dali from peril. Personally, for me, the unfettered freedom of daily morning exercises and sweeping in the Taoist temple is what I truly desire. I can predict destiny, but I struggle to understand the human world. I can answer the questions of pilgrims, but I struggle to address the concerns of millions in the main hall. Zizhao, the throne should rightfully belong to you."
Lou Wanqiao stood there in a daze, digesting the meaning of his words.
No, these two are...
As if seeing through her thoughts, Li Su smiled and said, "Some people strive for power, but all their schemes end in vain. Some people aspire to the mountains and rivers, but only seek to live a leisurely life in the mortal world. Some people spend their lives in mediocrity, while others plan their lives in vain. And some people, regardless of power or the mountains and rivers, work hard only for another person."
"Zizhao, I don't want to do that. Are you willing to help me?"
His words were so sincere that Lou Wanqiao found it hard to refuse, so he finally nodded.
He sighed again, "I had many names in mind for your country, but since someone else got there first, and Zhao is just like your open and bright spirit, I have no further comment. I only hope you can bring this 'Zhao Ming' to the mountains and rivers of Dali."
Lou Wanqiao said in a deep voice, "I will protect everything and continue to work hard for Dali, Dazhao, and the people of the world."
Li Su extended his hand, resting his palm on her shoulder. His tone was gentle, his expression firm. "You've worked very hard. Zizhao, if you have free time, please feel free to come to Changsheng Temple for a chat. I'll be an old friend, pouring tea and answering your questions."
"Yuesheng, if you want to come back, the Dali Palace is always open to you."
No matter what, Li Su is still the prince of Dali. Dali can accept Li Su just like it can accept Li Yulan at any time.
This is their home.
Li Su quickly drafted the edict of succession. Lou Wanqiao even suspected that he had finished it long ago and was just waiting for her to return to Beijing.
Wen Xuechi didn't show any surprise after hearing this. He just sighed softly, "It seems I won't be able to ride on the rivers and lakes with Your Majesty anymore. What a pity..."
Without waiting for Lou Wanqiao to offer any comfort, he quickly continued, "However, being able to witness the happiness of the people in the court with Your Majesty is also a great blessing in life."
"If Mr. Wen wants to return to the world of martial arts and the mountains and rivers, I have no objection." Lou Wanqiao said this deliberately.
"Hey! How can that be possible? I've said it before... Qiao, you know, you're the only one who belongs to me." He hurried over and said with a smile, "Qiao, would you consider giving me a title?"
"What status?" Lou Wanqiao seemed to be thinking about something. He scraped the tea foam with the lid, poured the brewed tea into two cups, brought it to his lips and took a sip.
Indeed, Wen Xuechi is the Marquis of Pingyuan in Dali, holding great power, but it's not as good as it sounds, and people always fear him. It's been a difficult journey, and Wen Xuechi has made great efforts, always using his strength to help others. Isn't it time to give him a higher title...
"The Emperor's Husband."
"puff--"
Before he could swallow the tea he had just taken, Wen Xuechi wiped his face with an innocent look: "Aqiao..."
"No, you really are... really brave enough to say that..." Lou Wanqiao was embarrassed.
Given Wen Xuechi's strength, Lou Wanqiao wouldn't have been surprised even if he'd said he wanted the throne. But now, dissatisfied with his position as Marquis Pingyuan and wanting to go one step further, the position he wants is... Imperial Consort?
"So what?" The man looked discontented, but instead took advantage of the situation and pulled her hand, saying, "I should have been helping you become emperor, Qiao. You are the emperor who governs the world, and it's no exaggeration to say that your achievements are unparalleled. I'm lucky to be able to assist you as your husband."
Lou Wanqiao looked at his face so close to her. Her figure was clearly reflected in his amber pupils, filled with undisguised love and expectation.
She thought back to the journey she had taken, whether it was the bloody battles in Dali or the cautious moves in the Jin Kingdom, he had always been by her side and never asked for anything.
Now that the world has been initially settled, what he wants is actually such a... status.
An identity that allows him to stand upright with her in the court, share glory, and also bear the hardships together.
She placed her hands on his cheeks and said softly, "Regardless of whether we have a legitimate relationship or not, you are the one I love. If you want it, I'll give it to you."
He laughed heartily and reached out to hug her tightly: "I knew that Qiao liked me the most! Qiao, I like you the most too..."
"Alright, don't let your guard down from now on. There are still some things we haven't dealt with." Lou Wanqiao patted him on the back. "I'll need you to supervise them for the next few days, and keep an eye on Li Lie's news."
"Yes, sir."
Everyone in the palace was busy. Mu Yunjiao couldn't hide his joy after entering the palace: "Aqiao! I knew you would succeed!"
She gave her a full hug as she did every time before. Mu Yunjiao was still dressed in red, looking bright and flamboyant, but when she held him in her arms, he seemed thinner and firmer. When she touched him, she could feel the tense muscles, which concealed great strength.
It is such a princess who can mount a horse and pick up a spear to kill the enemy when advancing, and can also become the most reliable ally when retreating to cooperate with the outside world.
Lou Wanqiao issued an imperial decree appointing Princess Mingyue, Mu Yunjiao, as General Protecting the Nation. The Marquis of Suyang's mansion also received additional titles and rewards. The Jin Kingdom's previously amassed wealth was put to good use, with some allocated for rewards. The remainder was then distributed as rice and flour to alleviate the people's immediate needs for the year. The government then asked teachers to open private schools, allowing girls, boys, and teenagers to attend nearby.
After all this was done, an uninvited guest came to the palace.
Lou Wanqiao looked at the familiar figure and chuckled, "I didn't look for you, but you showed up first."
The person in front of him was Li Lie, who had been hiding for a long time.
He hadn't caused any trouble in recent days and had kept his presence to a minimum. Lou Wanqiao roughly understood what he wanted to do.
"Long time no see, Zizhao." Li Lie looked at her and commented, "You seem to be smiling more than before, not as cold as usual."
Lou Wanqiao said calmly, "Maybe there are fewer people who hate me now."
He smiled and said, "Do you still hate me? Zizhao, you can't find any fault with me now. After all, I am the King of Lie... Don't look at me with that expression. I'm here to seek peace... Your Majesty. The new emperor ascends the throne and it's a time when people are needed. If you need me, I can be that useful knife..."
She thought that Li Lie was worthy of being the only prince who survived the prince's dispute and was not in the same camp as Li Lianhan. In addition to having a strong maternal family, he really knew how to protect himself.
Just like now.
"What if I don't need it?"
Li Lie repeated, "I am King Lie, and I have done nothing wrong. If you need me, I will help you secure your throne. No one can shake it."
They have been enemies for many years, and as a prince, Li Lie naturally has the right to inherit the throne, but he can quickly recognize the situation and call her emperor. His character and strategy are not comparable to ordinary people.
Lou Wanqiao understood him too well. If she kept Li Lie in the capital, it would be like raising a tiger to harm her. But he was also too smart. It could be said that he left almost no evidence, so she had no reason to kill him.
……reason?
Lou Wanqiao suddenly sneered, unsheathed the embroidered spring knife at his waist, and pointed it at the head on his neck.
Is that kind of thing important?
Li Lie's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't retreat. He just raised his eyes and looked at her steadily, and said quickly: "I will go to my fiefdom and will not return to the capital unless summoned."
...Hey, wouldn’t it have been better if it had been like this earlier?
Lou Wanqiao lowered her wrist slightly, and the cold blade of the Embroidered Spring Knife didn't retract. Instead, it pressed closer to the skin on the side of his neck, bringing a piercing chill. A faint smile curved the corners of her lips, and her eyes were as sharp as a hawk, as if they could penetrate all his disguises and reach the deepest part of his heart.
"Prince Li Lie has requested to live far away in his fiefdom," she slowly repeated his words, her tone calm but carrying an undeniable pressure. "Sounds like he knows the current situation. The ambitious Prince Li Lie will stay in peace in a remote corner and never return to the capital... Ha, how can I trust you?"
Li Lie's forehead was covered with beads of sweat as she stared at him. He remained composed, even forcing a slightly strained smile. "Your Majesty, you're joking. The situation is now determined. Your Majesty reigns supreme, and the people support you. How could I be so ignorant of the times? I only wish to be a wealthy and idle king, safeguarding the territory for the Great Li... No, for Your Majesty. I have no second thoughts."
"No second thoughts?" Lou Wanqiao chuckled, a hint of mockery in her voice. "I dare not trust your heart. After all, even Prince Yun, who disguised himself so well, still had some true feelings for Li Lianhan. And I have never seen through your sincerity."
She changed the subject, her tone suddenly turning cold: "But since you claim to be useful, I will give you a chance."
An imperceptible glint flashed in Li Lie's eyes, but Lou Wanqiao continued, "I have approved the fiefdom, but it is not your prosperous old land in the south of the Yangtze River. The northern border is bitterly cold and borders the Di Rong. It needs a capable prince to sit down and pacify it. I will designate the three states in the northern border as your fiefdom. You will set off today. Without my personal edict, you will never set foot outside the fiefdom. All your private soldiers will be reorganized by the court. The officials of the royal palace will be appointed by me personally." The three states in the northern border? The climate there is harsh, the people's livelihood is declining, and it borders the former Jin Kingdom and the Di Rong. The situation is complicated. It is called a fiefdom, but in fact it is no different from exile. Despite this, he is required to hand over his military power!
Li Lie's expression instantly turned extremely grim, and he could barely maintain his composure. These harsh conditions nearly stripped him of all his capital and freedom.
"Your Majesty, this..." He subconsciously opened his mouth to argue.
"What?" Lou Wanqiao interrupted him, the blade moving closer, almost feeling the pulse beneath his skin. "Don't want to? Or is your request for peace and your so-called convenience just now... just a delaying tactic?"
This is a blatant threat and conspiracy.
Her eyes were icy cold, filled with undisguised murderous intent. Li Lie had no doubt that if he dared to say no again, the Embroidered Spring Blade, which had drunk the blood of countless enemies, would slit his throat without hesitation.
All his calculations and ambitions seemed so pale and powerless in the face of absolute strength.
Li Lie closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, only helpless resignation remained. He slowly lowered his head, his voice dry, "I... accept your command and thank you. I will depart for the northern border today to guard the border for... for Your Majesty, and I will never return to the capital."
He knew this was the best possible outcome. At least he was still alive, and he had retained his title. Life in the North was difficult, but there was still the possibility of secretly managing things and waiting for the right opportunity... As long as he was alive, there was still hope.
This ending is much better than those of the "imperial brothers".
Lou Wanqiao observed his seemingly submissive yet actually unwilling demeanor and sneered inwardly. How could she not know what Li Lie was thinking? Unleashing this ferocious tiger back into the wilds would undoubtedly be a hidden danger. However, with the two nations newly unified, a large-scale reckoning was indeed inappropriate. Sending Li Lie far to the northern border, under her own supervision and control, and stripping him of his power was the safest course of action. If he behaved himself, that would be fine. But if he dared to act rashly... In the northern border, the emperor was far away, and unexpected events were inevitable.
"Remember what you said today." Lou Wanqiao finally sheathed the Embroidered Spring Blade, the sound of it returning to its sheath crisply. "Withdraw. Within three days, I want to hear news of your departure from the capital."
"I will obey the imperial edict... I will take my leave as ordered." Li Lie bowed and walked out of the hall step by step. His back looked more desolate and embarrassed than ever before.
Lou Wanqiao gazed in the direction he disappeared, his eyes darkening. Li Lie, a major concern, had been resolved for the time being. The next priority was recuperation, ensuring that this hard-won peace and unification would truly benefit the people of all quarters.
Li Lie passed by another familiar old friend. He walked slowly towards him with a reserved look on his face. When the palace servant summoned him, he bowed his head cautiously and said, "Your Majesty, I am Jiang Suihuai. I pay my respects to your majesty."
Looking at the boy's serious expression, Lou Wanqiao couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Just tell me, your brother Wanqiao can do anything."
Seeing Lou Wanqiao like this, his original nervousness immediately disappeared. He came up to him with admiration and said, "Brother Wanqiao, you're amazing! That joke you made so casually back then... you actually did it!"
joke?
Lou Wanqiao smiled and nodded.
It's no joke. I tried to trick this silly boy into believing it.
"Brother Wanqiao, you don't know how powerful you are! By the way, is this title..."
Seeing his hesitation, Lou Wanqiao waved his hand nonchalantly: "It's okay, it's just a title, call it whatever you want, as long as it comes to your mind."
"Alright, Your Majesty! I was so shocked when I saw you like that under the altar!" Jiang Suihuai kept chattering, "From now on, I will never go against Brother Wanqiao's advice. As I said, if you need me, just let me know!"
"I see. When have I ever been polite to you?" Lou Wanqiao said sternly. "There's something wrong. Pingyang is suffering from a flood and needs someone to deal with it. I've thought about it and realized that you are well-educated and have the ambition to help the world. Would you be willing to go?"
Jiang Suihuai's eyes lit up: "Of course!"
As a friend of Jiang Suihuai, she naturally understood his ambitions. However, as the Crown Prince, he held no real power, his father would not allow him to show his talents, and Li Lianhan would not recognize or use him, leaving him with nothing but empty enthusiasm.
She continued, "When you return safely, you can go to the academy and become a tutor."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Jiang Suihuai looked at her with eyes almost filled with emotion, "I knew that following Brother Zizhao would be the right choice... I, oh no, I have to go pack my luggage first!"
Lou Wanqiao watched him jogging away, a smile appearing on the corner of his lips.
"Your Majesty..." Ruyuan pushed the door open and handed over a letter from home. "Lord and Madam Lou have replied, saying that everything is fine. They are touring the country and will pass by the capital soon. They look forward to meeting Your Majesty."
Lou Wanqiao took the letter from home and kept it carefully.
Great, she didn't disappoint anyone.
Great, everything has finally paid off.
Now she is a lady-in-waiting in the palace, and the women who used to work in the Dali Temple have also found their future direction in life, either becoming officials in the court or entering schools to teach others. But no matter where they are, they are working together to create a bright future.
A few days later, the coronation ceremony took place.
In the past, Dali and Dazhao were combined into one country, collectively known as "Dazhao". Lou Wanqiao, wearing a dragon robe, stepped onto the highest position that symbolized power. This was known in history as the beginning of the "Zhaoming Reign".
Wen Xuechi stood not far behind her, silently watching her back. The embroidery on the dragon robe sparkled in the sunlight, and the dragon soared into the sky, just like her.
As Lou Wanqiao overlooked the vast mountains and rivers, the responsibility on his shoulders became even heavier.
Greater authority often means more responsibility, and more responsibility often requires more...love.
Love yourself, love the ones you love, love the vast mountains and rivers, and love all the people.
She will use the power in her hands to create a more peaceful and stable dynasty, so that millions of people can live in harmony and prosperity and have a place to return to.
The era belonging to Lou Wanqiao, the era belonging to countless ordinary people, was kicked off in a magnificent manner.
——End of text
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