They've already breached the palace, yet all they ask of me is an edict of self-reproach.

Who else could have gotten here without any obstacles but Yang Wolong, who is known as Han Pingchuan's top strategist?

Yang Wolong had just finished dealing with the post-war affairs in the city. The Divine Valiant Army had defeated two countries in succession, and he was naturally excited, even proud. But as a strategist, he quickly realized something.

Conquering two countries in succession is a great thing for them, but it may not be so for the one in the capital.

Realizing that this matter could lead to disaster if not handled properly, Yang Wolong rushed to the palace to discuss it with Han Pingchuan.

But to Yang Wolong's surprise, Han Pingchuan was not in a hurry to deal with government affairs at the moment, but instead became infatuated with the beauty of the Queen of Jingjue.

Yang Wolong, the Queen of Jingjue, had seen her before. Her unparalleled beauty was hard for even a man as detached as him to resist, let alone a vigorous man like Han Pingchuan.

However, Han Pingchuan's behavior still disappointed Yang Wolong.

In the royal palace.

When Han Pingchuan saw Yang Wolong suddenly barge in, he subconsciously stopped what he was doing, while the Queen of Jingjue took the opportunity to retreat a few steps and escape Han Pingchuan's clutches.

"Mr. Yang, what brings you here?"

Han Pingchuan was somewhat dissatisfied that Yang Wolong had ruined his plans, but he did not show it.

"My lord, the great cause has not yet been accomplished; how can you indulge in pleasure?"

Yang Wolong glanced at the Queen of Jingjue, this femme fatale, and said to Han Pingchuan with a look of disappointment.

Han Pingchuan frowned: "What do you mean by this, Mr. Yang? After fighting so many wars over the years, can't I enjoy myself a little?"

Han Pingchuan didn't think he had done anything wrong.

He's already conquered the Jingjue Kingdom, so what's wrong with him enjoying the company of their queen?

"My lord may enjoy it, but not now."

Yang Wolong looked serious.

The Queen of Jingjue, a femme fatale, must never stay by the lord's side.

"Mr. Yang, is there something you need?"

Han Pingchuan also noticed that Yang Wolong's emotions were not right.

Having conquered two countries, one would expect the other side to be happy, but their expression at this moment showed no joy whatsoever; instead, they looked worried.

Without a doubt, something must have happened.

"Someone come here."

Yang Wolong did not answer immediately, but instead called in several soldiers and ordered them to take the Queen of Jingjue away and keep her under close guard.

Queen Jingjue breathed a sigh of relief when she realized she wouldn't be defiled by Han Pingchuan, that hypocritical beast.

After the Queen of Jingjue was taken away, Yang Wolong said with a solemn expression:

"My lord, we have conquered two countries in recent times, and the Western Xia is no longer a threat. This is good news for us, but what about that person in the capital?"

Han Pingchuan was somewhat displeased to see that Yang Wolong had come all this way just to talk about this.

As the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, how could he not see this point?

Is it really worth getting so emotional over such a trivial matter?

"This general understands what Mr. Yang means, but the imperial court is currently preoccupied with the war in the northern frontier and has no time to care about us. Besides, with my current military strength, would the imperial court dare to interfere?"

Han Pingchuan's tone carried a hint of disdain.

"General, you are mistaken!"

Seeing that Han Pingchuan hadn't grasped the implications, Yang Wolong shook his head and went straight to the point:

"The court is indeed too busy to deal with us right now, but what about the King of Xiliang? If we continue to grow stronger, the court will definitely find a reason to make us stop fighting. At that time, should we stop fighting or not? If we stop fighting, we will not only lose the opportunity to accumulate troops and territory, but we will also be punished by the court. But if we do not stop fighting, the old bastard Chen Sangui, the King of Xiliang, will find an excuse to devour us without the court having to do anything."

"this……"

Upon hearing this, Han Pingchuan broke out in a cold sweat.

This is something he hadn't considered.

Their biggest reliance now is the imperial court. If the court stops supporting them, given Chen Sangui's personality, he will definitely take the opportunity to settle scores with them.

"Sir, I was rash in this matter."

Realizing the implications, Han Pingchuan's expression changed, and he quickly admitted his mistake.

Han Pingchuan had witnessed firsthand just how vicious Chen Sangui, the King of Western Liang, was in dealing with traitors, and he absolutely did not want to fall into Chen Sangui's hands.

"It's good that my lord understands the implications."

Yang Wolong waved his hand, quite satisfied with Han Pingchuan's attitude.

Yang Wolong was willing to assist Han Pingchuan not only because he valued Han's military leadership skills, but also because of Han's character of immediately correcting his mistakes.

"Sir, do you have a solution?"

Han Pingchuan quickly asked again, as this concerned his life and fortune, and he had to take it seriously.

"Let me think about it..."

Yang Wolong paced back and forth, unable to find a good solution to the matter at the moment.

Han Pingchuan didn't dare to urge him, and stood aside patiently waiting. As for the evil fire in his body, it had long since disappeared completely.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yang Wolong stopped and looked at Han Pingchuan: "I have thought of a solution, but it depends on whether the general is willing to give it up."

Seeing that the other party had come up with a solution, Han Pingchuan was overjoyed: "Sir, please tell me. Apart from my life, there is nothing that this general is unwilling to give up."

Yang Wolong nodded and didn't keep them in suspense: "Send the Queen of Jingjue to the capital and present her to the Emperor."

"this……"

Upon hearing this, Han Pingchuan's expression changed slightly.

He naturally wanted to keep the Queen of Jingjue, a beauty of unparalleled grace, for himself.

Han Pingchuan had already lost Chen Qingluan and did not want to lose the Queen of Jingjue as well.

"What's wrong? Is my lord reluctant to part with it?"

Yang Wolong frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with Han Pingchuan's indecisiveness.

How can someone who aspires to great things be bound by a woman?

"Very well, this general agrees."

Han Pingchuan sighed. Although he was unwilling, he had to compromise under the current circumstances.

After a pause, Han Pingchuan continued, "Although the Queen of Jingjue is a rare beauty, I'm afraid one woman alone cannot dispel the suspicions of the one in the capital."

Everyone knows that the Emperor of Dali disliked women, and Han Pingchuan did not believe that offering a Jingjue Queen would be enough to appease Zhao Ji.

"One Queen Jingjue alone is certainly not enough."

Yang Wolong nodded and continued, "Offering the Queen of Jingjue is merely to show our loyalty to the one in the capital. We still need to do two things: first, abandon our military campaign against Western Xia; second, facilitate a marriage alliance between Western Xia and the imperial court."

Yang Wolong knew very well that although the Divine Valiant Army seemed to be advancing rapidly during this period, its foundation was ultimately too weak. It was necessary to proceed slowly and steadily, as trying to gain too much too quickly would only lead to total defeat.

"Should we arrange a marriage alliance between Western Xia and the imperial court?"

Han Pingchuan's eyes lit up immediately, and he hurriedly asked, "Sir, do you intend to use a marriage alliance to reassure the court and, at the same time, leverage the power of Western Xia to deter Western Liang from making any rash moves?"

Yang Wolong nodded slightly: "That's right. Only in this way can we gain the trust of the court while also deterring Xiliang. Right now, our foundation is unstable, and what we need most is time."

"Hirakawa has learned a lot."

Han Pingchuan respectfully cupped his hands in greeting, feeling somewhat fortunate that he hadn't done anything to the Queen of Jingjue, otherwise he probably wouldn't have been able to escape this calamity.

(Updates will resume tomorrow! The following episodes will be all the stories you all love.)