In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

"yes!"

Soon after, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard outside, and a large bucket of steaming hot water was carried into the palace.

Along with the food, several plates of meat and delicacies were also brought in. Even Li Yuanchang rarely got to eat such a sumptuous meal during the march.

Hot water and food are both rare commodities in the war-torn Tuyuhun, and even Li Yuanchang would be excited to see them on ordinary days.

But tonight, both of these things have lost their luster.

Along with the two supplies came a woman who was about thirty years old, but with a plump figure and still retained her charm.

As soon as she entered, Li Yuanchang's gaze was drawn to her.

With striking and defined features, fair and smooth skin, and a mature yet youthful charm, she exudes the elegance of a ripe persimmon.

Her black hair was adorned with turquoise and coral necklaces, her brows were deep and crescent-shaped, and her cheekbones were tinged with sunburn, as if the harsh sunset of the plateau had left its mark on her skin. This was a kind of beauty that lay between that of a woman from the plateau and a woman from the grasslands.

Coupled with the mature, womanly charm she exuded in every gesture, she was simply stunning.

Her fearful and apprehensive gaze conveyed the words "wanting to welcome but also refusing" without any affectation.

That feeling is not something a young girl can have.

It's like... if you pinch her, something will come out.

Over the past decade, countless women have presented Li Yuanchang with beautiful women, but he has not been interested in most of them. His standards, such as those of Situ Lan and Wu Meiniang, are simply too high.

Moreover, since nomadic women were mostly engaged in warfare, they were rarely beautiful and did not conform to the aesthetic standards of the Han Chinese in the Central Plains.

But Li Yuanchang truly liked this one at first sight.

Judging from his extensive experience with women, this woman was most likely fair-skinned and married.

"This humble woman, Murong Ji, pays her respects to His Highness the King of the Far East."

"The King of the Far East traveled thousands of miles to drive out the Tibetans and betray our Tuyuhun. Please accept three bows from this humble woman."

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow: "Murong is a surname of the Wang clan. Who are you to the Murong Khan?"

"Your Highness, I am the Khan's sister-in-law, having taken my husband's surname."

"But my husband died of illness years ago, and I have been living in Fuai City ever since," Murong Ji said.

"Sister-in-law?"

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow. It would have been better if those two words hadn't been added, but adding them actually added points.

"How did you manage to survive until now in Fuai City?"

His eyes were suspicious. Women of this appearance would usually meet a tragic end if left unprotected during times of war and chaos.

"Your Highness, when the city fell, I was protected by royal guards and escorted to a cellar. I survived by hiding and fleeing."

"Upon learning that his uncle had returned, he immediately came to seek refuge with him."

"My uncle, mindful of my hardships, specially arranged a job for me, saying that I would be responsible for His Highness's daily life."

As she spoke, she stole a glance at Li Yuanchang, looking slightly nervous.

"I see."

"You are truly blessed; even with the country destroyed and your family ruined, you still have someone to protect you," Li Yuanchang remarked, guessing that this woman had done many good deeds to deserve such protection.

Otherwise, she would probably be living as a plaything in the Tibetan army camp by now.

"Yes." As she spoke, a hint of lingering fear appeared in Murong Ji's beautiful eyes.

"But don't worry, sister-in-law, it's safe here now. The Tibetans won't be able to launch a counterattack for at least several months," Li Yuanchang said with a smile.

As he spoke, Guo Chao and the others waved their hands gently and withdrew.

Murong Ji nodded repeatedly: "Congratulations! This is all thanks to the arrival of the King of the Far East. Otherwise, Tuyuhun would have been ravaged by the Tibetans for who knows how much longer."

"Your Highness has twice come to the aid of Tuyuhun. Although I am a woman, I am deeply grateful."

Li Yuanchang reached out and helped the person up, his gaze unconsciously sweeping over Murong Ji's chest, and he was immediately astonished!

the legendary...

The woman's figure was full and fair, with pale blue lines on her skin.

This is called reticular blue spots in later generations. It sounds a bit creepy, but it is actually an extremely special and beautiful type of physique.

This was later known as the "Sacred Body," and it was considered one of the two supreme Sacred Bodies, along with a certain tiger.

The faint blue veins complement her fair skin, creating a beautiful yet delicate look that is captivating.

Even Li Yuanchang was bursting with possessiveness at this moment.

Some women are just a rare find.

He forced himself to remain calm: "Sister-in-law, you flatter me."

"The Tuyuhun are subjects of the Tang Dynasty, and Murong Khan is an old friend of mine. Both publicly and privately, I must help them to the end."

As he spoke, Li Yuanchang patted her on the shoulder.

Murong Ji looked slightly nervous and reserved. As she lowered her head, her eyes caught sight of Li Yuanchang's blistered feet, and she immediately asked, "Your Highness, your feet?"

"It's nothing, I was just about to soak my feet and apply some medicine."

"Your Highness, how about I help you? The palace is in dire need of rebuilding and we are short of manpower. The Khan sent me here to take care of Your Highness."

"This humble woman is rather rough, unlike the refined women of the Central Plains. I hope Your Highness will not find fault with me."

Rude?

Li Yuanchang couldn't help but glance at it again. Wasn't this delicate enough?

"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for my sister-in-law?"

Murong Ji's expression was slightly strange. She didn't understand why Li Yuanchang always called her "sister-in-law." It wasn't the right way to address her, either publicly or privately.

But since Li Yuanchang liked it, she couldn't say anything.

"No trouble at all, no trouble at all."

She repeatedly explained, "Without Your Highness, I don't know where I would be living. This is nothing."

Li Yuanchang laughed at her and said, "You weren't forced to come by Murong Khan, were you?"

"No, no, no!" Murong Ji was startled and shook her head repeatedly in denial.

"I came here of my own volition. It is my greatest wish to take care of such a great hero as the King of the Far East. I hope Your Highness will not misunderstand."

"When the young lady arrived just now, she was very happy."

She looked at Li Yuanchang seriously, without the slightest reluctance. It seemed that if she were driven away, she would be sad and disappointed.

"All right."

"Since that's the case, then I won't say I forced this woman; it was my sister-in-law who voluntarily followed me," Li Yuanchang joked, seemingly with a double meaning.

Murong Ji understood the implied meaning in his words, her cheeks flushed, but she tacitly refrained from saying anything.

"Your Highness, please lie down. I will go and fetch the medicine."

"No need, I have it right here."

"Once you're done, could you please scrub my back for me, sister-in-law? I haven't had a bath in a month, and tonight someone will finally help me."

As he spoke, Li Yuanchang took off his coat, looking ready to make a big splash.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Murong Ji smiled, perhaps influenced by Li Yuanchang's down-to-earth and approachable nature, her tension gradually subsided, and she turned to get the medicine.

As he walked, the bells on his ankles jingled softly, making Li Yuanchang look at them again and like them more and more.

In no time at all.

Murong Ji treated the blisters on his feet. She was skillful and caring.

"Your Highness, your feet are treated with medicine and should not get wet. Please lie here and I will wash them for you."

As she spoke, she took off her elaborate outer coat, revealing a close-fitting dark purple dress underneath. She rolled up her sleeves, looking capable and mature.