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

Guangmutian glanced at the soldiers who were accompanying him and sighed, "Your Highness, our Qi country's elite soldiers have all been sent to Luoyang. What if someone takes the opportunity to attack us?"

The empress yawned. "Why are you so anxious? If someone dares to touch us, Li Siyuan will be the first to disagree. Isn't he a great general? If something goes wrong, just go to him."

The new emperor has just ascended the throne this year, and officials from all over the country have returned to Beijing to report on their work. If anyone dares to attack the territories of other governors at this time, you will see whether the court will punish you.

If someone dares to launch a sneak attack today while the Jiedushi is returning to Beijing to report on his work, someone will dare to directly launch an attack on Luoyang tomorrow. If order is disrupted, the imperial court will be in trouble. The majesty that has been hard-earned in the past six months will be completely lost, and the court will be worse than before after the Huang Chao Rebellion.

As an emperor, he does not have to take the blame, but no one else can take the blame except the general in charge of the army.

Yang Yantian, who was on the other side of the carriage, said worriedly, "Your Highness, you said that the governors from all over the country are gathering in Luoyang. Will something go wrong?"

"Something happened? Do you mean something happened to Li Xingyun, or to them?" The empress frowned slightly, stopped stroking the cat, and looked at her.

In Yang Yantian's eyes, the fact that the Emperor asked the Empress to send troops into Luoyang was an unusual event in itself. In addition, all the military governors from various places were here at this time, so she couldn't help but think more about it.

Yang Yantian explained, "Your Highness, I am worried about Li Xingyun..."

The empress wrinkled her nose and said unhappily, "Do you think Li Xingyun is as stupid as you? Even if I give him all the elite soldiers of Qi, what will happen?"

"With such a small number of troops, they can't even make a splash in Luoyang. What you can think of, can Li Siyuan not think of it? He will only have more troops in Luoyang. Don't think about those nonsense all day long."

After hearing the empress's explanation, Yang Yantian and Guangmutian looked at each other, and a hint of relief flashed across their faces. Obviously, they were both worried that Li Xingyun would mutiny at this time.

Indeed, now that the military governors from all over the country have gathered in Luoyang, it would be a good thing if we could wipe them out in one fell swoop.

But if you think about it, it is impossible. It is impossible for all the military governors from all over the country to come. How could they not be on guard?

Some sent their governors to the capital to report on their work, some directly sent their deputy generals to the capital, and very few went to Luoyang in person. After all, even if they did not come, the court could not do anything to them.

They guarded various places, and the imperial court could be dismissed by saying that they should guard against the Khitan coming south and prepare for war. And the imperial court's peace talks failed not long ago, and this reason was just right, and no one could find fault with it.

The empress glanced at them and sat up straight. "Do you two have anything else to ask? Just ask directly. I see you have been holding it in all the way. When we get to Luoyang, don't ask these stupid questions."

Yang Yantian said quickly, "We are fine now. Don't worry, Your Highness. We will be careful in Luoyang."

······

This long-awaited heavy snow fell for three days in a row, and the entire Luoyang city was covered with snow. Fortunately, the Ministry of Works had made preparations in advance and arranged personnel to clear the snow in the city in time, so as to avoid the tragic incident of houses being crushed by the snow.

The sky cleared up and the sun shone all over the earth, but Luoyang City became increasingly colder.

It's not cold when it snows, but it's cold when the snow melts. Once the snow melts, it's much colder than when it snows. There are fewer and fewer pedestrians walking on the streets. Except for some vendors who make a living wandering around the streets, most people stay at home if possible.

A snowfall froze countless people from the lower class to death. In this cold winter, not every family could afford charcoal, so they could only endure it.

If you can bear it, you will live; if you can’t, you will freeze to death.

A grand drama slowly unfolds as the snow stops.

Outside the city of Luoyang, a convoy slowly entered. Passers-by dodged and dared not approach. Upon seeing this scene, many people hiding in the dark went back to inform their masters.

King Qi, we have arrived in Luoyang!

Chapter 81: First Meeting with the Empress

At the same time, in the imperial city, Su Ming stood in front of the hall, wearing a black robe with dark golden dragon patterns on it, baring fangs and claws, as if coming alive. He put his hands behind his back, looking down at the square below the steps with deep eyes.

At this time, Eunuch Li came running over and said softly, "Your Majesty, Prince Qi has entered the city."

Su Ming nodded slightly, and Little Li tactfully withdrew, leaving him alone standing there.

After a moment, he smiled slightly and thought to himself, "King Qi is here, and this good show is finally about to begin."

Not only was he waiting for King Qi, but Li Siyuan was also waiting for King Qi.

Among all the vassal states in the Central Plains, apart from Li Siyuan, the vassal state with the largest territory was Qi Wang Li Maozhen. Sixteen years ago, at his peak, the territory occupied by Li Maozhen was almost the same as that of Li Keyong.

Although Qi State now has less than half of its territory left, it is still the second largest vassal state in the Central Plains. After Li Cunxu ascended the throne and became emperor, he could only temporarily surrender and was unable to defeat it outright.

Therefore, Qi State, like Jin State, openly respected the Tang Dynasty and used the Tang Dynasty's reign title, but in fact it always maintained military and political independence. Although Li Siyuan had a respected status and held great power in the court, his reputation and prestige were not as good as Li Maozhen.

It's because my brother-in-law rose to power early. He was a hero of the same era as Li Keyong and Zhu Wen. If we really talk about it, Li Siyuan is still a junior. It's a pity that Li Maozhen fell into the pit of Longquan treasure, otherwise there would be no Li Cunxu and Li Siyuan rising later.

It has to be said that Yuan Tiangang used the Longquan treasure to deceive many people. The Liang State was destroyed, and the Qi State was also beaten half to death. They withdrew from the stage of competing for world hegemony and could only survive.

Although he did not take direct action, this layout directly influenced the situation in the Central Plains for decades, which is truly terrifying.

Now the Longquan Treasure Box is still in the hands of the empress. Su Ming asked her to take it to Luoyang. She cannot control this thing, only he can control it.

The Longquan Treasure Box is related to the Longquan Treasure, which is the most tempting treasure in the world. It contains countless treasures and the real imperial seal. However, now is not the time to open the Longquan Treasure.

When the real Li Maozhen returns, this Longquan treasure box will be a bait, and it depends on whether Li Siyuan will take the bait.

Whether he takes the bait or not, Su Ming has a way to deal with him.

······

"Boom!"

The melodious sound of bronze bells rang out, and all civil and military officials had arrived at the Taiji Hall.

Yan Suchen, the Minister of Rites, was the first to make a report, "Your Majesty, the military governors from various places have been in the capital for some time. Do you want to summon them?"

It seems that Li Siyuan is ready.

Su Ming raised an inexplicable smile and said in a deep voice, "It's too late today. Let's meet at the court tomorrow. This heavy snow has been falling for three days. Fortunately, the posthouse has been built, otherwise the officials from all over the country would have no place to stay."

"Luoyang is a big place, and it's not easy to live in it. The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works prepared for this matter and did a good job. At least we didn't lose face for the court."

Yan Suchen and Minister of Works Chen Xuanming said in unison, "Your Majesty, I am humbled by your praise. I do not deserve it."

Su Ming said calmly, "Those who have made contributions will be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes will be punished. If I don't reward you for your contributions, wouldn't it be a disgrace to my subjects? The previous salary deduction for officials in the Ministry of Rites will be cancelled, and the officials in the Ministry of Works will be rewarded with three months' salary. What do you think, my dear ministers?"

Li Siyuan didn't care about such a small matter as money, so he didn't express his opinion. The ministers understood and naturally didn't object. They all said in unison, "Your Majesty is wise."

Although the Jiedushi did not attend the court, the provincial governors from all over the country were already there. So they began to report on their work one after another, stating the political affairs they had done in the past.

Sitting on the dragon throne, Su Ming curled his lips indifferently. It would be enough to just listen to what they said. Local officials usually came to the court to show off their achievements or to complain. As for what kind of bad things they did underground, who would know?

The current supervision system of the imperial court is basically just a decoration. The officials responsible for the work have not yet been filled. Even Luoyang cannot be supervised, let alone other places.

However, Su Ming was very clear about which of these people went to the Prince of Jin's Mansion and which did not. Of course, the officials who went to the Prince of Jin's Mansion were not necessarily loyal to Li Siyuan. Some of them were forced to do so, and some were swept away by the general trend. Even the governor of the place where he was located surrendered to Li Siyuan, so what could the local assistant officials do?

The Jinyiwei recorded all this information in a book and would deal with it slowly after Li Siyuan was dealt with.

Official administration is a long process that cannot be accomplished overnight and requires solid strength.

······

After the court session, Su Ming came to Qianqiu Palace, where someone had been waiting for a long time.

Behind the screen, there stood a man with an upright figure, a little thin and frail. He slowly stepped into the hall.

"Empress, long time no see."

As soon as she finished speaking, the empress turned around and saw Su Ming in a black imperial robe. The twelve tassels of his flat crown obscured his vision, but the empress could still sense Su Ming's complicated emotions.

The moment she saw Su Ming, a strange color flashed in the empress's beautiful eyes. He was different.

The person standing in front of her now looked completely different from the person in her memory. Although his face remained the same, his temperament and expression were very different. If it weren't for this appearance, the empress almost thought that Li Xingyun had been replaced.

She lowered her eyebrows and bowed, "Prince Qi Li Maozhen pays respect to His Majesty."

Su Ming smiled faintly and sat down on the soft couch. "We're already here, there's no need to be so polite. There's no need to be like this between you and me." His plain words were steady and powerful, not as frivolous as before.

The empress shook her head and suppressed the throbbing in her heart. "Etiquette cannot be abandoned lightly. Your Majesty does not care, but how can I not take it to heart?"

Then, Su Ming said in a brisk tone, "Forget it. I feel uncomfortable when you talk like this."

The empress was stunned and smiled faintly. It was a familiar voice and a familiar style.

He is still himself, unchanged.

She nodded and said softly, "Okay."

Su Ming's expression eased, he took off the flat crown on his head and put it aside, and said with a smile, "My neck is so sore from wearing this thing for so long. Sit down, I'll pour you some tea."

When the empress saw the flat crown on the couch, she was stunned. Is it so casual?

Then she came to her senses and felt a little amused and helpless. Li Xingyun, isn't this just not right?

After just a few words, the relationship between the two quickly became closer. It was no longer as stiff as when they first met. Instead, they seemed like old friends who had not seen each other for a long time. Su Ming picked up the teapot on the table and poured a cup for each of them.

He did not greet the empress, but picked up the teacup and drank it all, revealing a relaxed look, "The court meeting will last for two hours. Fortunately, there is a break in the middle, otherwise who can stand it."

The empress smiled, her eyes moving, "You've been the emperor for so long, haven't you gotten used to it yet?"

Chapter 82 Longquan Treasure Box

Su Ming picked up the teapot and poured himself another cup. This time he did not drink it all in one gulp. Instead, he took small sips, slowly savoring the sweet aroma of the tea. "If I had known that being an emperor would be so troublesome, I would not have been one. What a pity..." At this point, a trace of loneliness flashed in his eyes, and he stopped talking.

The smile on the empress's face faded, replaced by a serious expression, "Since you have embarked on this path, there is no way you can regret it. The world is watching you, you can no longer retreat."

Su Ming nodded gently, returning to his previous serious expression. "You are right. Once you embark on this path, there is no turning back. I didn't understand it before, but now I know how cruel this path is. Living a carefree life is ultimately just a dream. Maybe in the end, I will die quietly sitting on the dragon throne and be buried with the Tang Dynasty."

The empress frowned, looking somewhat uneasy, "Li Siyuan, what are you going to do? Are you going to let him go? Someone as cruel, treacherous, and patricide-killing as him is not qualified to sit in this position."

"Don't worry. Now that I have sat on this throne, I will not give up. Just like you have become the King of Qi, I will shoulder this heavy responsibility no matter what."

Hearing Su Ming talking about her, a trace of sadness flashed in the empress's eyes. Sixteen years, how many sixteen years can one have in a lifetime, let alone sixteen years for a woman. Her best years were imprisoned on the throne. There was beauty in love, but no poetry or painting, no talented men and beautiful women, only swords and swords and political calculations.

The empress smiled in relief, her brows relaxed. "If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight. It seems that you already understand this truth. However, now that you are in this position, I can finally take off the burden temporarily."

Su Ming laughed and said sincerely, "As a vassal king, I have the responsibility to defend my territory. However, since Li Siyuan can stay away from his fiefdom and serve in the court, as the King of Qi, I cannot let him take the lead."

"Empress, this time, I would like you to help me."

Although she had expected it in her heart, when Su Ming said it in person, her heart still trembled, as if the softest part of her heart was hit.

The empress took a sip of tea to conceal her inner fluctuations, and said softly, "How do you want me to help you?"

Su Ming did not answer, but asked another question, "Did you bring the Longquan treasure box?"

"Yes, it's on me." The empress nodded, then took out the Longquan treasure box from her sleeve and handed it to him.

Su Ming took the treasure box and examined it carefully in his palm. It was unknown what material the Longquan treasure box was made of, but it was indestructible even with a sword. There were delicate dragon patterns carved on it, which was extremely extraordinary.

After taking the Longquan treasure box, he did not open it. The last person who opened the box, Fanyintian, was already dead, and the Ghost King was even less than a bone left. The Miaojiang Holy Gu in it was very evil.

Even if he gave this thing to Chi Meng, she still couldn't solve it. It was estimated that only the Witch King, the Gu King and the Twelve Cave Lords could solve it. Unfortunately, the Witch King was not under his control and the Twelve Caves could not leave Raojiang. Only Li Maozhen, who was closest to the Twelve Cave Lords, could solve the Miaojiang Holy Gu.

However, there is no rush to solve the holy Gu.

After examining it for a moment, Su Ming returned the Longquan treasure box to the empress.

This made the empress very puzzled. Didn’t he want the Longquan treasure box?

So, she couldn't help but ask, "This box is related to the Longquan treasure. Don't you want the Longquan treasure?"