I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 195 Conquering the Queen
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Before going to Xiongzhou, Xiao Sese hesitated for a long time before finally saying to Xiao Puxian, "You... be careful of Consort Zhang."

Xiao Puxian was a clever girl, so how could she not understand that the reason why Zhao Yu hadn't let her serve him in bed all this time was because of Zhang Chun's trickery.

Moreover, Xiao Puxian has already discovered that Zhao Yu values ​​Zhang Chun highly and consults with her on many matters. Zhang Chun is also one of the few women who can influence Zhao Yu.

This made Xiao Puxian curious about Zhang Chun, and she began to observe Zhang Chun.

As a result, Xiao Puxian easily saw that Zhang Chun was all bark and no bite, a sharp tongue but a soft heart, not a ruthless character, not even jealous, and had no intention of harming others.

Xiao Puxian smiled slightly, 'What's so scary about a woman like that? At most, she's arrogant because she's favored.'

Xiao Puxian easily understood Xiao Sese's problem: 'By abandoning the Song Emperor and competing solely with Consort Zhang, you will be constrained by your status, hampered by her, and controlled by her at every turn.'

Xiao Puxian thought to herself, 'If I simply bypass Consort Zhang and make contact with the Song Emperor, at which point I will be of equal status with her. What is there to fear?'

Having grasped the key point, Xiao Puxian refused to engage with Zhang Chun's attacks, instead responding with courtesy and displaying magnanimity and gentleness. Zhang Chun's seemingly fierce but actually harmless offensives seemed to hit cotton wool with Xiao Puxian, becoming soft and powerless.

Zhang Chun tried to train Xiao Puxian in the same way he had trained Xiao Sese, but he couldn't find a way to do it. Whenever Zhang Chun tried to verbally provoke Xiao Puxian, she would always use a calmness and wisdom beyond her years to gently steer the conversation away with a smile, neither appearing aggressive nor failing to maintain her dignity.

Zhang Chun had only ever experienced this feeling with one person.

This person was Empress Jeong Hyeon-su, wife of Emperor Zhao Yu.

Previously, Zhang Chun had always thought that she couldn't beat Zheng Xiansu because of the difference in their social status.

Now, having encountered another "Zheng Xiansu," Zhang Chun realized that in true political maneuvering, the key to victory or defeat is never merely a matter of status and position, but rather a contest of wisdom and character. Looking at Xiao Puxian's composed and effortless demeanor, Zhang Chun felt a deep sense of unease. She began to reflect that her previous seemingly clever but ultimately superficial tactics were nothing more than the tricks of a clown in the face of a true sage.

Having figured this out, Zhang Chun stopped trying to train Xiao Puxian, lest he bring shame upon himself.

Now, Zhao Yu asked Zhang Chun how well she had trained Xiao Puxian. Zhang Chun smiled bitterly and said, "I am not capable enough. I am afraid that only Your Majesty can do it personally to make her submit."

Zhao Yu's eyes lit up, as if he had spotted his desired prey: "You can't do anything to her?"

Zhang Chun readily admitted, "Your Majesty, I am incompetent and beg for punishment."

Zhao Yu ignored Zhang Chun and instead said to the female official who was delivering the message, "Go and summon Xiao Puxian. Let's see what she's capable of."

Not long after, Xiao Puxian was brought before Zhao Yu.

Because she had been "deprived of her place" by Zhao Yu for so many days due to wearing a flamboyant red wedding dress, Xiao Puxian chose to keep a low profile this time because she didn't want to wait any longer. So, as soon as she entered, Xiao Puxian lowered her head.

Seeing that Xiao Puxian was no longer as flamboyant and radiant as she had been when she arrived, but instead had become meek and gentle, Zhao Yu, who knew exactly what kind of ruthless character Xiao Puxian was, smiled slightly and said in a deep, magnetic voice with an undeniable air of authority, "Raise your head."

Zhao Yu was wrong. Xiao Puxian's appearance today was not entirely an act; she was genuinely captivated by Zhao Yu.

Xiao Puxian was born with a strong personality and longed to marry a great hero since childhood.

Previously, Zhao Yu had led the Song army to victory after victory, besieging Yelü Yanxi in Yanjing City. Now, with more than 700,000 troops from the Liao Dynasty, Zhao Yu was still able to defeat the Liao army with fewer troops, forcing Yelü Yanxi to send someone to surrender.

Such illustrious military achievements undoubtedly erected a towering monument to heroism in Xiao Puxian's heart, causing her, who originally thought the Han people were weak and had no goodwill towards them, to develop admiration and respect for Zhao Yu.

Only then was Xiao Puxian willing to lower her proud head before Zhao Yu.

At this moment, Zhao Yu asked Xiao Puxian to raise her head. Xiao Puxian did not hesitate and raised her head directly.

Zhao Yu took a closer look. He saw:
When Xiao Puxian lowered her eyes, her brows and eyes were like sculpted icicles, with a touch of dark blue at the corners of her eyes that arched upwards, like a bow drawn from the northern frontier piercing through the cold clouds. Moonlight swept across the bridge of her high nose, condensing into a cold light at the tip of her straight nose, and when her thin lips were slightly pursed, a touch of jade-like coldness arose. Unlike the gentle grace of women from Jiangnan, she possessed the unique heroic spirit of the Khitan people. The silver gyrfalcon ornament tucked at her temple trembled slightly with her movements, and her amber pupils, as they moved, carried the mystery and majesty of the deep grasslands.

Her youthful face was like a newly blossoming wolfsbane flower, possessing both the delicate tenderness of a young girl and the hidden power to command thousands of troops. A black Khitan robe embroidered with gold outlined her slender waist. As she rose, the silver bells and pendants jingled softly, and the wide sleeves billowed with movement, revealing glimpses of a wolfsbane bracelet wrapped around her wrist. She raised a hand to brush her hair behind her ear, her supple figure casting a sharp silhouette in the candlelight, displaying both the graceful beauty of a woman and the regal aura that held the breath of her ministers within her eyes.

With just one glance, the word "Queen" was etched into Zhao Yu's mind.

Zhao Yu had tried all sorts of women, but he had never seen a queen-type woman like her before.

Looking back, during the period when Empress Xiao Puxian ruled the Northern Liao Dynasty, although she was nominally the Empress Dowager, she was actually an uncrowned queen at that time.

Zhao Yu's gaze became intense. He seemed to see in Xiao Puxian a vast, untamed grassland, a place with both the passion of a raging storm and the profound tranquility of a secluded paradise.

Zhao Yu slowly rose, walked around the table, and approached Xiao Puxian step by step.

Zhao Yu's every step seemed to tread on Xiao Puxian's heartbeat.

As Zhao Yu drew closer, Xiao Puxian could clearly feel the powerful aura emanating from him—the pride and confidence of a victor—which made her heart race. Yet, she remained composed, her eyes gleaming with determination and serenity, like a resilient flower that could stand firm even in the face of raging storms.

Zhao Yu stopped in front of Xiao Puxian, the two of them so close that they could almost hear each other breathing.

Zhao Yu gently raised his hand, his fingertips brushing across Xiao Puxian's cold and beautiful face.

Xiao Puxian was very uncomfortable with such intimate contact. Her body trembled slightly instinctively, but on the surface she maintained her composure. However, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes, betraying her true feelings.

Not wanting to admit defeat so quickly, Xiao Puxian hurriedly tried to calm herself down, gently lowering her eyelids. Her long eyelashes, like fans, cast a faint shadow, concealing the emotional turmoil in her eyes.

Zhao Yu keenly sensed Xiao Puxian's discomfort and true feelings, and a playful smile appeared on his lips. This smile contained both satisfaction with Xiao Puxian's reaction and anticipation of conquering this true queen in history.

"You are very special."

Zhao Yu's voice was deep and magnetic, each word carrying immense force, striking Xiao Puxian's heart directly.

To Xiao Puxian, Zhao Yu's words carried both praise and undeniable authority, as if declaring that she was already his, with no escape. Xiao Puxian's eyelashes trembled slightly, and when she raised her eyes again, her clear, watery eyes had regained their usual calm and determination. She bowed slightly, responding with a dignified yet respectful demeanor: "Your Majesty flatters me. I am but a humble woman; to have Your Majesty's favor is truly my blessing."

Xiao Puxian's directness surprised Zhao Yu, who then burst into laughter.

Then, Zhao Yu looked directly into Xiao Puxian's eyes and said, "Since my beloved consort is so straightforward, then I won't beat around the bush either. How about I become your hero?"

'To be my hero?!'

Xiao Puxian instantly returned to her childhood.

In those days, the sky over the Liao Kingdom was always vast and high, the grasslands stretching like an endless green sea to the horizon. As a child, she often rode her beloved pony, galloping freely across the grasslands, the wind whistling past her ears, carrying the fresh scent of grass and the feeling of freedom. Every evening at sunset, when golden sunlight bathed the earth, she would lie on the soft grass, gazing up at the sky dyed red by the evening glow, her heart filled with longing for the unknown world and a yearning for heroes.

In her dreams, the hero was as tall and straight as an eagle, with deep and resolute eyes. He wore a leather helmet with silver trim, black chainmail, and a scarlet battle robe that fluttered in the wind. When he charged into battle on horseback, his scimitar gleamed coldly amidst a rain of arrows, capable of routing the enemy army with surprise attacks. In ordinary times, however, he would often remove his armor to visit herders, comfort the people, teach children archery, and help the herders repair their yurts. He was both as fierce as a fire on the battlefield and as gentle as a stream on the grassland. He would protect her, lead her to conquer the world, and make her the proudest woman.

The first man who matched her ideal of a hero was Yelü Chun.

Therefore, despite the fact that Yelü Chun was nearly twenty years older than her and already had a princess, she resolutely wanted to marry Yelü Chun, even if it was just as a concubine.

She once thought she had found the hero she was looking for.

In the end, however, the facts proved that Yelü Chun was not a hero. He actually gave his own woman to the enemy. Is this the behavior of a hero?

Perhaps so, but that's not the kind of hero she wanted.

At this moment, faced with Zhao Yu's heart-stirring promise, Xiao Puxian's thoughts, like galloping horses on the grassland, instantly transcended the boundaries of time and space. She narrowed her eyes slightly, as if she could see again that grassland that had once filled her with dreams, and Yelü Chun, whom she had once thought she had found a hero.

Xiao Puxian's thoughts were quickly pulled back from her distant memories by Zhao Yu standing before her. She looked at the man in front of her; his eyes held both unwavering determination and a hint of tenderness and domineering power. Although this was very different from the heroic image she had depicted countless times in her dreams, it seemed to coincide with it.

The King of Yue was cowardly and often yielded to the enemy. He, however, was different. He commanded the situation with the precision of a palm, and faced the enemy with unwavering resolve, his fierce gaze and intimidating presence commanding respect from all. Even when a powerful foe pressed in, he drew his sword and charged forward, his expression unchanged, displaying the domineering aura of a king…

Zhao Yu and Xiao Puxian stared at each other for a long time.

After a brief contest, Xiao Puxian, inexperienced, too young, and of insufficient status, was ultimately defeated. She couldn't help but say, "Don't bully me, or else..."

Before Xiao Puxian could say anything that might ruin their current atmosphere, Zhao Yu said, "Okay," and then put his arm around Xiao Puxian's soft waist...

……

Another day.

Zhang Chun got up early. She wanted to see what would happen to Xiao Puxian, whom she couldn't bring herself to resist, after Zhao Yu had slept with her.

Upon entering the bedroom, Zhang Chun witnessed a scene she would never forget.

Zhao Yu was sitting on the edge of the bed, with several palace servants helping him get dressed, while Xiao Puxian lay beside him like a kitten.

So far, it's nothing special; it's just a normal scene that happens every day.

But when Zhang Chun looked at Zhao Yu's hand again, she saw that his hand was on Xiao Puxian's head, and he was stroking Xiao Puxian's head and even stroking Xiao Puxian's snow-white neck.

Xiao Puxian, like a kitten being petted, squinted her eyes comfortably, a gentle smile like never before appearing on her lips. It was as if, at this moment, she was no longer the proud, aloof, and unapproachable queen, but a little woman immersed in love.

Zhang Chun clicked her tongue in amazement. She had never imagined that Xiao Puxian would show such a tender and gentle demeanor, as if she could drip water, which was completely different from her usual proud and aloof image.

Crucially, the way Zhao Yu stroked Xiao Puxian left Zhang Chun somewhat dazed, and the thought involuntarily crossed her mind: 'Petting a cat?!'

No matter how Zhang Chun looked at it, she felt that Zhao Yu was treating Xiao Puxian like a cat to pet.

Zhang Chun was momentarily stunned, then a playful smile curled at the corner of her lips. This scene was not just unexpected; it completely overturned her entire understanding of Xiao Puxian. In her imagination, even after a one-night stand, Xiao Puxian should have remained aloof and cold, as if she had forgotten everything afterward, leaving no trace. However, who could have imagined that in just one night, this queen, Xiao Puxian, would become a slave?

"Wow!" Zhang Chun thought, "Has Xiao Puxian been completely subdued by Zhao Yu?"

Upon seeing Zhang Chun arrive, Zhao Yu continued to stroke Xiao Puxian Nu while saying, "From now on, she will help me handle memorials with you. You should mentor her."

Zhang Chun replied, "Yes."

At this moment, Zhao Yu was dressed.

Zhao Yu withdrew his hand without the slightest hesitation and got up to exercise.

Zhang Chun clearly saw that the moment Zhao Yu withdrew his hand, Xiao Puxian's face was full of reluctance. It seemed that she enjoyed being stroked by Zhao Yu and was unwilling to let this gentle touch leave.

After Zhao Yu's figure disappeared behind the door, Zhang Chun turned back to look at Xiao Puxian.

Before they could see, Xiao Puxian had already stood up. In an instant, she transformed back into the noble, elegant, aloof, and powerful queen who commanded thousands of troops and made all the ministers hold their breath.

Just as Zhang Chun was looking at Xiao Puxian, Xiao Puxian was also looking at Zhang Chun. She smiled slightly and said confidently and calmly, "I'll be troubling Imperial Concubine Zhang from now on."

As she said this, Xiao Puxian exuded an aura of dominance, radiating an air of supreme confidence.

Zhang Chun's breath hitched: "The Queen is back..."

……

(End of this chapter)