The Bad Guys: Playing the Fake Li Xingyun at the Beginning

Unexpectedly, Yelu Abaoji did not take advantage of the situation and did not put forward any conditions, which really surprised him.

Although he still had doubts in his heart, Su Ming did not think too much about it. Besides, Yelu Abaoji sent cavalry to escort Zhang Zifan and others back to the Central Plains, which was considered to be the utmost kindness and duty. If he asked himself, he could not do better than this.

I will express my gratitude to him when I have the chance in the future.

At this moment, Eunuch Li walked in from outside the hall, "Your Majesty, Miss Chi Meng wants to see you."

Su Ming was stunned. What was Chi Meng doing here?

However, since Chi Meng came, he seldom met her, and it was not easy to refuse now. Su Ming took the secret letter in his hand and said lightly, "Let her in."

After a while, Chi Meng walked into the hall and saw Su Ming sitting in front of the imperial desk reading a book. He wrinkled his nose and said, "Little brother, are all the emperors of you Central Plains so leisurely?"

Su Ming raised his eyelids and said lazily, "I'm already the emperor, can't I enjoy myself?"

Chi Meng walked to Su Ming's side, hugged his arm, and said coquettishly, "Little brother, the palace is so boring, can you take me out to play for a while? I have been in Luoyang for so long, and I haven't had a good look around here."

The soft feeling accompanied by the faint fragrance of virginity made Su Ming suddenly freeze. He said calmly, "No, I still have memorials to deal with. You and Junior Sister should go out together."

Chi Meng pouted her lips and acted coquettishly, "Little brother, please go out with us for a while. We haven't gone shopping together for a long time." Her voice was soft and sweet.

As she spoke, she shook Su Ming's arm, causing him to sink deeper and deeper into the ravine.

This little girl has grown up so much.

Su Ming pulled his arm back and said helplessly, "Okay, okay, okay, I'll go with you, but we have to wait until the evening."

When Chi Meng heard this answer, he immediately jumped up excitedly, "Little brother, we have a deal, you are not allowed to regret it."

"My words are as good as gold. How could I lie to a little girl like you?" After Su Ming finished speaking, Chi Meng skipped away, and the crisp voice echoed in the hall like a silver bell.

After she left, Su Ming couldn't help but look at his arm, where there seemed to be a faint warm breath lingering.

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Jin Palace.

Li Siyuan looked at the intelligence in his hand, a trace of gloom flashed in his eyes, "How can this be absurd? What kind of benefits did that kid promise to Yelu Abaoji that made him use cavalry to escort them back to the Central Plains?"

At the beginning, he was certain that the envoys sent by Su Ming would not be able to reach the Mobei royal court alive, so he did not send anyone to die. Therefore, he did not know what Zhang Zifan and the Khitans talked about.

But since the Khitans were willing to use cavalry to escort them back to the Central Plains, it meant that the mission to the Khitans was successful. His idea of ​​annihilating the envoy group on the grassland ended before it even began.

To defeat a Khitan cavalry force of a thousand men, Li Siyuan would have to mobilize at least several times the number of troops, with the coordination of infantry and cavalry. Even if he did so, there was no guarantee that Zhang Zifan and his men would be kept in the grassland, because they had already completed their mission, and as long as they returned to Luoyang safely, they would have been successful.

Moreover, the more troops mobilized, the more traces would be left behind. The reason why Li Siyuan could get to where he is today was because of his caution and forbearance. After receiving the news, he immediately stopped mobilizing troops.

Since he couldn't wipe them out on the grassland, he would decide the outcome in the court. He wanted to see what kind of cooperation this kid had reached with Yelu Abaoji.

Even if the two countries formed an alliance, without the ministers in the court to enforce it, what could he, an emperor without any support, accomplish?

By then, I will have plenty of ways to deal with him!

Chapter 61 Shopping, Zhang Zifan Returns

As the sky gradually darkened, the palace gates slowly closed as the bronze bells in the imperial city rang.

Su Ming changed into a light-colored scholar's robe and left the palace with Chi Meng and Lu Linxuan.

Ever since Su Ming ascended the throne, he has never left the imperial city, and the same goes for Lu Linxuan. Fortunately, the imperial city is big enough for them to play around, read books, and practice swordsmanship, which is quite interesting.

However, as time went on, they could no longer suppress the restlessness in their hearts. No matter how beautiful the palaces and attics were, they would get tired of looking at them every day. This was especially difficult for a lively and active girl like Chi Meng.

Since Su Ming ascended the throne, although there have been undercurrents within the Tang Dynasty, Luoyang City has become more prosperous than before he ascended the throne. Before curfew, people are coming and going on the streets. Some are in a hurry, some stop to watch, and some are strolling around the streets and shopping.

All kinds of lanterns are hung high in the streets and alleys.

Su Ming observed the people around him. Some of them had bitter expressions, some looked numb, and some were in high spirits... It could be said that there were all kinds of people.

However, although the lives of the people at the foot of the imperial city were not rich and they were exploited and oppressed, at least their safety was guaranteed. However, the situation was different for the local vassal states. In order to gain more territory, they used all means possible.

Du Fu's "Three Elegies and Three Farewells" can be said to have fully expressed the sadness and sufferings endured by the people. However, Su Ming can't even control Luoyang now, let alone the local vassal states.

In fact, even if he did nothing and just became a puppet emperor, the situation in the Tang Dynasty would gradually stabilize. All these years, the places have been devastated, and it is time to recuperate, raise the leeks, and wait for the next war to reap the rewards.

While Su Ming was observing the people's livelihood, Lu Linxuan stopped in front of a stall and shouted at him, "Senior brother, come here quickly." Along the way, Lu Linxuan and Chi Meng came together, chirping, like birds released from a cage and gaining freedom.

"Little brother, come here quickly." Chi Meng also waved at him.

Su Ming turned around and walked over with a helpless look on his face. Lu Linxuan picked up a jade pendant and tied it around his waist. The moon-white scholar's suit and the light green jade pendant complemented each other, giving him a rather elegant demeanor that was neither luxurious nor simple.

Lu Linxuan glanced at it and nodded with satisfaction, "Not bad, it should look good on Zifan too. Boss, how much is it?"

The stall owner was a middle-aged man with a simple and honest look. He first glanced at a few people, then stretched out his hand and gestured, "This piece of jade is top-quality Hetian jade, fine jade, crystal clear and shiny. It was carved by a master craftsman in half a month. It's thirty strings of cash."

Lu Linxuan was not satisfied with the price. "It's just Hetian jade, not mutton-fat jade. Look at the carving. The lines are so rough, and there are scratches that haven't been polished. How dare you ask for thirty strings of cash?"

The middle-aged man looked bitter and said in embarrassment, "How much does the girl want to give?"

Lu Linxuan blinked and stretched out his finger, "Ten strings of cash, not a cent more."

Seeing that Lu Linxuan was very determined, the middle-aged man could only agree reluctantly, looking like he had suffered a great loss. Lu Linxuan paid the money and turned away with a smile on his face, thinking he had gotten the better deal.

Seeing this scene, Su Ming couldn't help but shake his head. That piece of jade would probably be worth three strings of coins at most.

Afterwards, they began to wander around the street. Compared to Lu Linxuan's shopping, Chi Meng was eating all the way. She tried various snacks and sometimes even stuffed them into Su Ming's mouth.

As they walked, they passed an alley and Su Ming saw a magnificent mansion with a vermilion gate, red walls and green tiles. Two mighty stone lions stood in front of the gate, looking awe-inspiring without even being angry.

The mansion covered a very large area, and it took them a full quarter of an hour to finally get out of the alley.

If he had not seen it wrong just now, that mansion should be the Prince of Jin's Mansion. Even though the Jinyiwei had reported it to him, he was still surprised. Even for the Prince of Jin, living in such a house was obviously against the rules.

However, Su Ming did not intend to use this to attack Li Siyuan. It was meaningless. As long as his followers were not eliminated, this little thing would be of no concern to him.

He noted the location and left. Lu Linxuan and Chi Meng wandered around for a full hour until Su Ming stopped them. They had to stop, but they had an unsatisfied look on their faces, obviously they had not had enough fun.

Shopping has never been something men are good at, even in ancient times.

······

When the Khitan cavalry escorted the Tang envoys to the outside of Yanmen Pass, this journey to the grassland came to an end.

After setting foot on the territory of the Central Plains, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They were finally back. After Li Siyuan decided not to cause trouble, the envoys had a smooth journey without any attacks or difficulties.

This was a big mistake for Zhang Zifan and his nephew, who had been prepared for all kinds of attacks. According to Li Siyuan's personality, shouldn't he have stopped them?

However, how could they know that Li Siyuan had already decided to fight the outcome in the court. Before that, he would not take action because he was sure that in order to obtain this alliance, the emperor must have agreed to many conditions of the Khitan.

Otherwise, how to explain how they easily submitted the letter of credence and sent cavalry escort.

Half a month later, Zhang Zifan and his group successfully arrived outside the city of Luoyang. After arriving outside the city of Luoyang, they did not enter the city immediately, but rested outside the city for a night, washed and bathed, and put on new clothes before entering the city the next day.

Qianqiu Palace.

Su Ming stood with his back to the palace door and his hands behind his back. At this moment, he was looking at the screen behind the throne. "Your Majesty, Zhang Zifan is already waiting in Ganlu Palace." Eunuch Li lowered his head and said in a low voice.

"Lead the way, I will go to greet him personally!" Su Ming said happily with a smile on his face. Then, Eunuch Li led the way in front and he followed closely behind.

Soon, he arrived at the Ganlu Temple.

"You guys go down and wait first. No one is allowed to come in without my order!"

"I obey your command!" The waiter in Qianqiu Palace bowed and gradually retreated.

At this moment, only Su Ming and Zhang Zifan were left in the hall.

The two met again, full of emotion. Su Ming went forward and gave him a bear hug, then looked him over and said excitedly, "Brother Zhang, thank you for your hard work! You must have suffered a lot along the way."

After acting for so long, Su Ming has already mastered the skills to perfection, and he can perform these actions with ease, as if the two of them are really good brothers who share life and death.

Feeling Su Ming's affection for you, Zhang Zifan felt warm in his heart. It was worth making friends with this brother!

Afterwards, he told Su Ming everything he had experienced on the road, including Li Cunren's sneak attack on them.

Although Zhang Zifan briefly mentioned these experiences, Su Ming could still sense how dangerous it was at that time.

At the same time, I also feel fortunate for my foresight. Fortunately, I made preparations early, otherwise it would have been in vain.

Chapter 62: Opening the Harem with Tears

Zhang Zifan was also very excited and said excitedly, "Brother Li, I am glad that I have fulfilled my mission. The purpose of this mission to Khitan has been achieved, but it has also opened my eyes. No wonder you want to form an alliance with Khitan and coexist peacefully."

This sentence surprised him. "Oh? Tell me, what did you see in Khitan?"

Afterwards, Zhang Zifan talked about what he saw and heard in Khitan.

"The Khitan State was made up of tribes scattered across the grasslands, living wherever there was water and grass. They were natural cavalrymen, and both men and women, young and old, were skilled in archery and horse riding, almost the same as the Turks back then."

"However, the Khitan territory is not very large now, and Yelu Abaoji's tribe is only the strongest among the Khitan tribes, so they can't work together."

"Beyond the Great Wall, the Khitans occupied a lot of territory and fought wars all year round. They plundered many Han people and opened up the land there, cultivating the land and harvesting in autumn. A lot of their food and grass came from there."

"Brother Li, the Khitans are ambitious and wicked. This time when I went to the royal court of Mobei, Yelu Abaoji did not acknowledge me as his third brother. He did not even mention what happened in the past. He was too cruel." When he said this, a trace of guilt appeared on his face.

"Yelü Abaoji did not propose any other conditions for this alliance, but he came for you."

Su Ming was stunned, somewhat puzzled, "What do you mean by 'coming after me'? Does he want the Tang Dynasty to bow down and be brothers to each other? Does he want the Tang Dynasty to bow down and call him brother?"

Hearing this, Zhang Zifan shook his head. If that were the case, he would have left at that time. He could not agree to such conditions, and he was not qualified to agree on behalf of Li Xingyun.

The guilt on his face became even stronger. He looked at Su Ming and said solemnly, "Brother Li, Yelu Abaoji did not put forward any other conditions. He proposed a marriage and wanted to marry his daughter to you."

"If I don't agree, this alliance will fail. Brother Li, I'm sorry, but in order to fulfill your mission, I can only agree."

Marriage?

Su Ming frowned, unable to understand why Yelu Abaoji wanted to form an alliance with him through marriage. There was no need to make such a big gamble and send his daughter over just to form an alliance.

In the Central Plains today, the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, and the situation of internal strife is very obvious. Su Ming is at an absolute disadvantage. When the situation is still unclear, why would Yelu Abaoji make a bet so quickly, and a heavy bet?

This is not common sense!

Su Ming couldn't figure it out for the time being, so he stopped thinking about it. If he remembered correctly, Yelu Abaoji had only one daughter, Yelu Zhiwu. Not only was she the ceiling of Mobei's combat power in the sixth season, with strength far beyond the ordinary great heavenly rank, but she was also the saint of shamanism.

If it was her, it wouldn't be unacceptable. But if it was someone as beautiful as the most beautiful woman in the world, he would never accept it even if he was beaten to death.

It's a huge profit to pick up such a top master for free. Even if you don't use it, it's a rare trump card.

After a brief analysis of the pros and cons, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief, but on the surface he still had a bitter face, "Brother Zhang, this is the situation, I don't blame you."

Seeing his expression, Zhang Zifan felt even more guilty. Brother Li was still thinking about Ji Ruxue.

Su Ming scratched his hair, a trace of sadness flashed in his eyes, and his whole spirit seemed to be drained. He looked at Zhang Zifan with a bitter smile on his lips, "Brother Zhang, do you think I should agree? During the trip to Mobei, I believe you have seen some of the conditions in the Tang Dynasty. The local vassal states do whatever they want and do not take the court seriously at all."

"Li Siyuan's men are guarding important places throughout the Tang Dynasty. They have men and soldiers in every dangerous pass and city. Even if I want to touch such a force, I can't do anything about it."

"Once Li Siyuan dies, the Tang Dynasty will inevitably fall into chaos and fall into a situation where the vassal states will attack each other again. As an emperor, I have no soldiers or food. How can I fight against those vassal states at that time?"