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Returning in Triumph, Sacrificing Blood to the Heavens (4)
Daxian Wang fixedly stared at Le Cheng Emperor. At a certain moment, he suddenly began laughing out loud. It wasn’t the despair and unwillingness to accept when nearing death, but rather delight, even carrying a bit of pleasure at another’s misfortune. Daxian Wang could tell, the current Le Cheng Emperor, in reality, completely wasn’t his own son’s opponent. During the trip from the northwest to Qi Yuan’s capital city, Daxian Wang probably also thought things through. Falling to this step, there was nothing to complain about, just feeling a little regretful inside, regretting that he wasn’t able to learn about the person that made him like this a little more. If knowing a bit earlier, then perhaps the ending would be different.
Raising the hand, the blade descending, Daxian Wang’s head rolled onto the ground, getting covered in dust. Originally, he should also be grand hero for a generation, just he encountered a scary opponent. It can be said to be ‘born at the wrong time’. In the end, he can only die in a foreign land, holding eternal regrets.
Under normal circumstances, the dead was like a tiger, making one fear. But, because that was an enemy that had committed unforgivable crimes in one’s own country, that’s why, when the commoners saw, they just felt exceptionally refreshed, loudly cheering.
When the blood sacrifice finished, the imperial family’s prestige rose another level. “Everyone, the journey has been arduous. This emperor has ordered someone to arrange a banquet in the palace, good wine and good dishes, a welcome reception for you all. For the time being, return home first and wash up.”
“Thanking your Majesty for the grand honor.”
The ones that have a residence in the capital, naturally returned home. As for the rest, all headed for Xishan Barracks to settle down.
Holding a banquet in the palace to entertain the meritorious subjects has already become a custom.
However, Fu Yun Ting kept feeling that Le Cheng Emperor’s gaze towards him was a bit sinister. Just don’t know whether or not this celebration banquet will become a Hongmen Feast[1] for him. Similar thoughts flashed through his mind, but Fu Yun Ting didn’t mind that much.
The banquet was at night. Even if Le Cheng Emperor was impatient inside, he had already waited that long, so there was no need to rush this moment. As such, he will be a magnanimous emperor.
Of course, Le Cheng Emperor, who temporarily can’t do anything to Fu Yun Ting and them, can still learn about the whole story from other channels first, for example Yu Zhong Qing, or Li Su Yan.
As Le Cheng Emperor’s left wing and right arm, these two that were very much worthy of his trust normally very rarely interacted with one another. At this time, Le Cheng Emperor also separately had them called in to inquire.
Yu Zhong Qing, to a certain degree, just went to protect Jin Qinwang. Regarding the northwest’s war, he can’t interfere and also won’t interfere. As such, he just said some things regarding Jin Qinwang’s personal matters. As for everything else, he expressed that he didn’t know anything.
As such, Le Cheng Emperor also didn’t know what to say, waving his hand, letting him go out first.
Li Su Yan, as the Left Captain of the Black Clad Guards, and the next Commander of the Black Clad Guards, Le Cheng Emperor gave him the most important mission. At the time, it was also Li Su Yan that gave Le Cheng Emperor the idea.
“Speak.” Towards this foster son in name, but in reality, biological son, Le Cheng Emperor never really had him treated as a son. Actually, it was mostly the same as Yu Zhong Qing, a usable and worth trusting subject, which also means that he can be abandoned at anytime.
The imperial favor, if he wants to give, he can just give, and if he doesn’t want to give, he can immediately take back.
The northwest’s news got blocked off, but Li Su Yan wielded the Black Clad Guards and was out of the ordinary to begin with. If he really wanted to pass on the news, would he really be cornered? Based on this, Le Cheng Emperor’s complexion was quite unpleasant.
TN: All
Li Su Yan’s expression didn’t change, kneeling there, appearing very quiet. That’s right, just quiet. For someone like him, who carried very heavy dark currents, his current state was actually very strange.
Just, in Le Cheng Emperor’s eyes, it didn’t feel that strange. Probably, in his eyes, this was normal.
“Replying to your Majesty, this humble subject, according to the original plan, had some things tactfully told to Jin Qinwang. However, wangye didn’t believe, believing that this humble subject has hostility towards Fu Yun Ting in certain areas, causing trouble from within. Wangye said, your Majesty is the esteemed emperor, a hard to come by wise ruler, an enlightened sage. It’s impossible for your Majesty to make this kind of absurd decision when the country is facing danger. Even if having some sort of complaint towards Fu Yun Ting, would also chose to deal with after the war, or perhaps change the main commander, and not use this kind of method, disregarding the country and the people……….”
Hearing this, Le Cheng Emperor felt his face somewhat burning, but because the others all didn’t dare to directly look at him, he didn’t lose face. Like as if something was stuck in his throat, unable to spit out, unable to swallow, he didn’t know whether he should resent his son for messing up the matter, or should be happy that his image in his son’s heart was this wise and valiant, or perhaps should feel ashamed that this image does not reflect reality.
“Shortly after, wangye had this humble subject imprisoned, waiting to return to the capital to hand over to your Majesty to handle.”
As for the other black clad guards, because this was no small matter, it naturally was impossible to have the matter told to them, so Li Su Yan could only obediently get locked up. Even if having the opportunity, he also didn’t dare to contact Le Cheng Emperor. After all, if by chance it’s discovered, the emperor’s image will be completely destroyed, his great reputation also no longer existing. To consider for the emperor as such, Le Cheng Emperor naturally can’t blame him.
Speaking of which, it’s not that Le Cheng Emperor didn’t suspect anything. Just, this matter only Li Su Yan knew, so there was no way of investigating.
“Why don’t you withdraw first.” Le Cheng Emperor somewhat powerlessly waved his hand.
“Your Majesty, may this humble subject be so bold as to add, after wangye returns to the capital, he will certainly try to verify this matter with you. How should this humble subject respond? Asking for your Majesty to clearly indicate.” Li Su Yan once again tried to suffocate Le Cheng Emperor.
Le Cheng Emperor had a headache. Indeed, this matter, how should it be handled? That son wasn’t easy to trick, and he can’t have this matter pushed onto Li Su Yan either. When time comes, regardless of which aspect, on the light side, it’s getting removed from his post and investigated, and on the heavy side, he will just lose his life. If switch with someone else, Le Cheng Emperor wouldn’t mind abandoning, but Li Su Yan was his trusted subject and also his son, incomparably handy when using. The things he ordered, very rarely would there be unsatisfying areas. To meet with mishap because of this kind of groundless accusation, he certainly was unwilling to see. That’s why, to want to preserve Li Su Yan, this excuse not only had to pacify his son, he also can’t have himself implicated. Just thinking about it made his head want to split in pain.
“Why don’t you withdraw first. This matter, this emperor will handle.”
“Yes, this humble subject will take one’s leave.” Li Su Yan left exceptionally carefreely.
Le Cheng Emperor knew that Li Hong Yuan went to the estate. Originally, he still impatiently wanted to meet, but at this time, he didn’t think this anymore. Just, it seemingly was already too late. Previously, he’d already ordered someone to have his son called over.
The living Enma that was devoted to screwing over his father, after seeing the people Le Cheng Emperor sent, also quite gave face, just leaving with them.
After returning to the capital, Li Hong Yuan first had Jing Wan sent back to Jin Qinwang Manor, afterwards entering the palace alone.
After Le Cheng Emperor saw his son, it was all kinds of showing concern, conveying a father’s care towards his son. Regarding Li Hong Yuan’s disappearance and such, he didn’t mention a single word. After all, as long as it’s mentioned, the matter he wants to hide will also get dragged out.
Li Hong Yuan had an understanding inside. If Le Cheng Emperor doesn’t say, he also won’t mention, appearing exceptionally considerate. Just, that gaze seemingly appeared exceptionally dark. It was as if he knew everything, but because Le Cheng Emperor was his father, some things, although he saw through, he won’t point out. At least, on the surface, he will preserve his face.
Le Cheng Emperor felt stifled inside. If it’s really like this, then this son had deliberately ruined his plans, yet he wasn’t able to say anything. In his eyes, this son just believed that he disliked Fu Yun Ting, but didn’t know the deeper reasoning.
“If imperial father has nothing else, this son will just take one’s leave.” After saying this, Li Hong Yuan just directly brushed his sleeves and left.
Le Cheng Emperor could only watch, watching his son exit the doorway and disappear.
Towards his own suspicions, Le Cheng Emperor couldn’t go verify.
The banquet at night was a welcoming reception and also a celebration. The many titled imperial princes certainly will also participate, as well as the high ministers of the court, all can’t be missing. Of course, this kind of banquet, the womenfolk certainly won’t appear.
At the beginning of the banquet, Le Cheng Emperor said quite a few seemingly motivational words, giving absolute recognition to everyone. However, in reality, it was just high-sounding, bribing the heart. The ones that were in the know, all had an understanding inside. But, at this time, no one would go argue. The army returning in triumph, regardless of what, was all something very much worth rejoicing over.
Just when Le Cheng Emperor was preparing to bestow rewards to the generals, Fu Yun Ting stood out first.
At this time, he had already changed out of his armor, wearing an exquisite brocade gown, appearing solemn just like an elegant noble gentleman. As the main commander of the army that returned in triumph, this kind of attire truly was somewhat strange. However, Fu Yun Ting did just this, unknown as to what his aim was.
[1] Hongmen Feast – A banquet arranged for an assassination, reference to the Feast at Hongmen in 206BC where Xiang Yu attempted to assassinate Liu Bang, who eventually became the founding emperor of Han Dynasty in 202BC.
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