Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 103 What defines a loyal minister and a good general?

The polo match ended with Lu Chenyuan winning by a large margin.

That evening, in order to completely dispel Lu Chenyuan's inexplicable curiosity and to leave an indelible impression, Li Lingyue personally danced a Hu Xuan dance for him.

She changed into a Persian-style gilded dance dress—a gossamer-light gauze dress adorned with sparkling rubies that rustled softly with each step, and a nine-twisted gold ribbon tied around her waist, making her slender waist appear almost too delicate to be grasped.

Below her slender waist and above her long, jade-like legs, she wore black stockings.

In order to create black silk, Lu Chenyuan asked the weavers of the Rainbow Robe Courtyard to try more than ten possible materials, and finally determined that the specially made black ice silk had the same effect.

As the pipa strings plucked, Li Lingyue lightly touched the ground with her toes. Her jade-like feet, wrapped in black silk, stepped onto the scarlet lichen, like ink plum blossoms dotting the red carpet. The golden bell at her waist trembled slightly, intertwining with the rustling sound of the silk fabric to create a captivating rhythm. With a twirl, her silk skirt fluttered, revealing a pearl chain wrapped around her slender ankles, which shimmered in the candlelight.

Lu Chenyuan suddenly clenched the luminous cup in his hand.

He watched as she lightly stroked her neck with her fingertips, the black silk gloves creating a breathtaking contrast with her snow-white skin. Every glance she gave carried a subtle smile, and the gold-painted phoenix pattern at the corners of her eyes trailed a bewitching light as she spun.

The most alluring thing was the glimpse of her waist dimple when she turned around, partially concealed by her semi-transparent black stockings, which was even more arousing than being naked.

As the music grew more urgent, she suddenly leaned over, her cascading black hair sweeping across the table, the fragrant breeze extinguishing the nearest red candle.

In the sudden dim light, only the faint glow of her black silk stockings and her eyes, more alluring than the night itself, were visible.

The rest is self-explanatory.

Lu Chenyuan couldn't hold on.

Forget the Western Region women; in his eyes, there was only this princess dancing passionately for her lover.

A woman dresses up for the one she loves, so of course he couldn't let her go all out alone. Lu Chenyuan first returned the favor with a Hu Teng dance from the same era, and then improvised a modern jazz dance. He only learned to dance for the sake of his physique, and had never danced for anyone else, especially not for "seduction." He never needed to do it before, nor would he dance it, but today he danced with exceptional naturalness and passion.

Li Lingyue was no longer shy. She stared intently at him, and the intensity in his eyes made her heart race.

Once again, she deeply understood what it meant to be moved—the purest love a woman could have for the one she loved.

After the dance ended, Lu Chenyuan pulled her into his arms.

She buried her face in his neck, inhaling the unique scent of pine breeze and bamboo dew on his body, her eyes slightly moist.

Lu Chenyuan looked down at her and said with a mischievous smile, "The dance is over, it's time to get down to business."

Without saying a word, Li Lingyue cupped his face and kissed him forcefully.

As the candlelight flickered, the ribbons drifted to the ground, and the two became entangled, inseparable. The only sounds in the hall were the violent shaking of the pearl chain and their increasingly rapid, passionate breaths...

The next morning.

Li Lingyue reluctantly got up. Although she knew there would be plenty of time in the future, she still couldn't help but want to spend another five days and five nights with him, or even longer. Unfortunately, she had too many things to do recently and could only deal with government affairs first.

She kissed Lu Chenyuan, quickly dressed and left the bedchamber, taking Zhu Que and the newly revised Great Cloud Sutra into the palace as gifts.

—Apart from that personal comment about Hye-beom, everything else was fine. The revisions were completed quickly and on the same day.

Inside Yingxian Palace.

Just as Li Lingyue was about to bow, she suddenly noticed her mother staring intently at the side of her neck. Shangguan Wan'er turned her face away, her ears turning bright red.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively raised her hand to touch her neck. When she touched a slightly raised mark, she was struck dumb.

The bronze mirror clearly reflected the bright red kiss mark on her snow-white skin, faintly visible at the collar of her palace dress.

Wu Zetian raised an eyebrow with a half-smile: "Taiping looks quite well today."

Li Lingyue's ears instantly turned bright red. She hurriedly raised the bamboo magpie in her hand three inches higher, using her wide sleeves to quickly adjust her collar. When her fingertips touched that mark, all sorts of images from last night uncontrollably flooded her mind, causing even her neck to turn slightly red.

"My son... my son..."

Princess Taiping, who was usually quick-witted, suddenly started to stutter. The wings of the bamboo magpie in her hand trembled with her trembling fingertips. She was filled with shame and anger, cursing the hateful Lu Chenyuan in her heart. Even her toes curled up inside her phoenix-head shoes.

Shangguan Wan'er handed her a cup of tea at the right moment, and secretly slipped her a box of snail-shell eyebrow pencils under the cover of her wide sleeves.

Li Lingyue understood, quickly took it, and swiftly applied the concealer.

Wu Zetian ignored their subtle actions and said leisurely, "You handled yesterday's matter very well. Monk Huifan harbored malicious intentions, and I have ordered him to be imprisoned and beheaded as a warning to others. As for this Zhuque..."

She sighed softly, "It seems that the Hidden Immortal's setting up of the mechanical city and all its tests was indeed for a profound reason. I selected thirty intelligent female officials skilled in mechanical arts to study the 'Heavenly Crafts Scroll,' but now, a month has passed, and they are still struggling to even make the simplest repeating crossbows and hidden arrows, let alone wooden oxen and such flying mechanisms..."

She suddenly looked up, her gaze sharp as lightning: "Issue the decree—"

Shangguan Wan'er immediately brought over the cinnabar imperial brush.

"A new Tiangong Academy will be established in Ninghui Pavilion of Shanglin Garden, with Lu Chenyuan appointed as its director and Yan Bingning and Song Zhenyue as its stewards. They will specialize in the study of the secret techniques of the 'Tiangong Scroll,' and I will personally inspect their progress on the first and fifteenth of each month!"

"Yes……"

Li Lingyue pursed her lips, her eyes drooping slightly, looking somewhat unwilling.

Seeing this, Wu Zetian's eyes flashed with a mischievous glint: "What? Afraid that I will steal your 'favorite'?" She shook her head with a light laugh, "Don't worry, Lu Qing only needs to come to the academy for instruction once every ten days. I will send some clever people to the Suiming Pavilion to assist him, and let the female officials of the Tiangong Academy take turns to study. It won't delay your..." She paused meaningfully, "...other important matters."

Shangguan Wan'er covered her mouth and coughed lightly, almost dropping the cinnabar brush in her hand.

Li Lingyue's ears turned bright red, and she dared not look up, but a hint of unconcealed joy shone in her eyes.

"Get up."

Wu Zetian's gaze softened as she pushed another memorial to Li Lingyue: "Since you've already read the new commentary, I won't read it again. Spreading the scriptures throughout the land is sufficient. Yesterday, I issued an edict ordering each prefecture in both capitals to establish a Dayun Temple, each housing a copy of the *Dayun Sutra*, to be explained by eminent monks and to propagate Buddhism, but..."

At this point, a shadow crossed her eyes. "That stubborn old woman, Cen Changqian, dared to openly oppose it! She said that 'building Buddhist temples extensively would only waste the people's resources.'"

She sneered, the Buddhist prayer beads in her sleeve rattling as she gripped them. "I merely ordered the construction of temples in each prefecture to spread the scriptures, to save all sentient beings, and to accumulate merit. And he's already calculating the cost of it? Back then, when Emperor Taizong built temples to pray for the souls of fallen soldiers, why didn't they complain about it being a waste of money and resources?"

Her eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them, and she slammed her hand on the table: "Are you deliberately trying to oppose me?!"

boom!
The sound was like a thunderclap.

The palace servants standing in the hall knelt down in unison, barely breathing.

Shangguan Wan'er remained silent. Li Lingyue noticed that although her mother was furious, her fingertips were unconsciously rubbing the string of Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist—a rare display of anxiety from her.

Li Lingyue understood immediately; Cen Changqian was not the only one in the court who opposed him.

Wu Zetian turned to Li Lingyue: "Taiping, what is your opinion on Cen Changqian's statement?"

The test is here.

Li Lingyue's mind raced. She understood that she had to follow her mother's wishes. Her mother was well aware of the waste of resources and manpower involved, but with the establishment of the Wu Zhou dynasty, the legitimacy and mandate of heaven also needed to be consolidated. The two could not be reconciled, and a choice had to be made.

She recalled what Lu Chenyuan had casually said during their outing yesterday, and after a moment's thought, she said slowly, "Your subject has a solution that satisfies both sides..."

"Oh?"

Wu Zetian was taken aback and sat up straight in surprise: "Tell me about it."

Shangguan Wan'er also looked up at Li Lingyue. Li Lingyue respectfully said, "Your subject believes that building temples and spreading scriptures is indeed an important measure to consolidate the rule of law. However, Prime Minister Cen's concerns are not without merit. It would be better to change it to: in each prefecture, all existing temples that can be renamed should be renamed Dayun Temple first; if there are no existing temples that can be renamed, then new ones should be built in important locations. In this way, Your Majesty's devotion to Buddhism can be demonstrated, and the people's resources can be saved."

Wu Zetian's expression softened slightly.

Li Lingyue added, “As for the matter of lecturing on the scriptures, each prefecture can first select several eminent monks to go to the capital for training. After they have completed their studies and returned, they can then pass on their knowledge to the local monks. This layered transmission will not only ensure the purity of the scriptures but also avoid the trouble of frequent relocations. If this method is followed, the expenses should be greatly reduced. In addition, each temple can be instructed to use donations to establish charitable institutions to take in orphans and widows to accumulate merit. In this way, the people will feel grateful for the grace of the Emperor, which is far better than large-scale construction projects.”

Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian's anger gradually subsided, replaced by a look of relief.

She gently stroked the teacup with her fingertips, then suddenly chuckled, "Wan'er, listen to this, this is truly my daughter." Her tone was brimming with undisguised pride: "In this way, those pedantic scholars will have nothing to say!"

She rose, walked around the table, and personally helped Li Lingyue up, saying in a low voice, "You are more thoughtful than I am." These simple words eased the atmosphere in the hall.

Shangguan Wan'er served fresh tea at the right time. Wu Zetian took the teacup but handed it to Li Lingyue first: "What you just mentioned about Futian Temple... coincides with my wish when I was at Ganye Temple."

Her gaze drifted into the distance, as if she were recalling something. After a moment, she said resolutely, "We'll do as you say. But..."

Wu Zetian suddenly raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Such a comprehensive idea, I'm afraid it wasn't that brat Lu Chenyuan who came up with it for you?" Before Li Lingyue could answer, she waved her hand and smiled, "Never mind, whoever came up with it, it's a good plan as long as it relieves my worries. Go and draft a detailed plan, and I will have Wan'er assist you."

As she spoke, she took off the string of Canaan incense prayer beads from her wrist and personally put them on Li Lingyue's wrist: "You've grown up."

This soft sigh contained both the emperor's praise for his subject and the mother's pride in her daughter.

Li Lingyue felt the lingering warmth of the Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist, and a wave of warmth welled up in her heart.

Just as she was about to express her gratitude, she suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps outside the palace.

The female official Li Ruohua rushed in with a flustered expression, knelt down and reported: "Your Majesty, Zhou Xing, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, is requesting an audience outside the palace gate, claiming that he has a major case of treason to report!"

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

Li Lingyue and Shangguan Wan'er were both startled.

The warmth on Wu Zetian's face froze instantly, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes: "Summon them!"

In a short while, Zhou Xing rushed into the hall, holding a memorial aloft, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I, Zhou Xing, pay my respects! I have investigated and found that Cen Changqian, the Right Chancellor of Wenchang and Duke of Deng, has secretly formed a clique and plotted rebellion, intending to overthrow the Great Zhou and restore the Tang Dynasty! Our investigation has confirmed the facts, and the evidence is conclusive. We request that the relevant authorities punish him severely to uphold the law!"

Li Lingyue's expression changed.

— Cen Changqian opposed the construction of the temple just yesterday, and now she's being accused of treason. The timing is too coincidental!

Ignoring all else, Zhou Xing unfolded the memorial and sternly enumerated the facts: "First, they outwardly comply but inwardly defy, feigning support for the Wu while secretly favoring the Li Tang! Although Cen Changqian once petitioned to change the imperial heir's surname to Wu, this was merely a cover-up. His son has already confessed to his crimes, and he often said in private: 'The Empress Dowager is old and it is appropriate to restore the heir to the throne.' This statement is exactly the same as that of Wei Xuan in the same case, clearly indicating that they conspired together!"

The word "old age" was Wu Zetian's Achilles' heel.

Upon hearing these two words, and considering the Wei Xuantong case, which had already been "confirmed" as a treasonous plot, Wu Zetian's face immediately darkened.

Li Lingyue's knuckles turned white, and she knew something was wrong.

"Secondly, in the fourth year of the Chuigong era, Cen Changqian was ordered to attack Li Zhen. Although he won on the surface, he discovered records in Li Zhen's army: 'On the seventh day of the ninth month, he secretly met with three of Li Zhen's advisors in Runan and let them escape.' A month earlier, the rebels from the Netherworld Palace stole the Heavenly Craft Scroll. One of them was proficient in the royal secret martial art 'Twelve Mountains and Rivers Seal,' and was a remnant of the Li Tang dynasty! The one who caused the rebels to come and go without a trace was Cen Changqian!"

The image of the purple-robed man flashed through Li Lingyue's mind, causing her to panic. Zhou Xing had come prepared, and Cen Changqian was likely in grave danger.
Wu Zetian's face grew increasingly gloomy.

"Thirdly, he used the matter of establishing an heir to incite unrest in the court! When His Majesty inquired about the selection of an heir, Cen Changqian openly defied the imperial decree, insisting that 'the heir to the throne is in the Eastern Palace and cannot be replaced.' In reality, he wanted to secure the position of heir to the throne and wait for a future restoration. Although his words seemed loyal and honest, they actually harbored malicious intentions and were meant to obstruct His Majesty's grand plan!"

"Fourth, he opposes the establishment of Dayun Temple and slanders the auspicious omens of the Holy Dynasty! His Majesty has decreed that Dayun Temple be established throughout the land to demonstrate the auspicious omens bestowed by Heaven, yet Cen Changqian openly obstructs this and slanders the imperial decree. His words and intentions are despicable!"

"Fifth, under the guise of protecting the palace, they secretly recruited assassins! When Cen Changqian was the Grand Commander of the Rear Army to fight against Prince Li Zhen of Yue, he secretly hoarded weapons in the army and said that he would 'wait for the right time to act and jointly support the old master.' His son, Cen Lingyuan, recruited assassins and plotted treason, clearly intending to prepare for the restoration of the Li Tang dynasty!"

With each statement he made, the atmosphere in the hall grew more somber.

In closing, Zhou Xing kowtowed deeply: "We have obtained the confession of his son, Cen Lingyuan, and seized secret letters, military tallies, and other physical evidence. We beseech Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly, apprehend the traitor, and secure the nation!"

Li Lingyue's heart trembled violently, and she caught a glimpse of her mother's fingers digging deeply into the armrest of the throne.

wrong!

Cen Lingyuan is nothing but a good-for-nothing, how could he...

"His Majesty……"

Just as Li Lingyue was about to speak, Wu Zetian slowly rose to her feet.

"deliver an imperial order."

Her voice was eerily calm: "Tell Zhou Xing to investigate this case immediately and get to the bottom of it!"

"The minister obeys the order!"

A hint of joy flashed in Zhou Xing's eyes. He kowtowed deeply and then quickly left the main hall.

"His Majesty!"

Li Lingyue said urgently, "There's still something fishy about this! Cen Lingyuan is just a spoiled brat; his testimony might not be reliable..."

Wu Zetian raised her hand to stop her, a complex light flashing in her eyes: "I know."

Li Lingyue asked in confusion, "Then why..."

"Because the Wu Zhou dynasty could not tolerate the ministers of the Li Tang dynasty!"

Wu Zetian suddenly shouted sternly, "Stop talking!"

"..."

The rest of Li Lingyue's words were stuck in her throat, and she felt a chill run down her spine.

—It is true that Cen Changqian opposed the construction of the temple and obstructed the establishment of an heir, so he had to die, not because he rebelled, but because he blocked the way.

There was dead silence in the hall.

Only the sound of dripping water from the water clock could be clearly heard.

Shangguan Wan'er quietly stepped forward and, under the guise of serving tea, gently tugged at Li Lingyue's sleeve.

Li Lingyue closed her eyes and knelt respectfully: "Your subject understands..."

"All right."

When Wu Zetian turned to her again, her eyes had returned to calm: "Taiping, do as you said regarding the Dayun Temple matter." Her tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority: "Now, go and draft the regulations."

This simple assignment made Li Lingyue realize her position.

Within the power structure of the Wu Zhou Dynasty, she was ultimately just the emperor's favored daughter, not someone who could truly participate in decision-making.

She suddenly remembered Lu Chenyuan's warning: Do not offend your mother, everything is for the sake of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"Yes."

Li Lingyue quickly composed herself and said softly, "Your subject takes his leave..."

(End of this chapter)