Translator:Nyamachi
Translation assistant:247Reader
English proofreaders:247Reader&Nyamachi
In the end, Virtuous Consorts Havent had Our fill vulgar remarks didnt attract the Empress Dowager or the Emperors attention in the least. Additionally, Imperial Duke ng would withdraw his troops from the front and return to court very soon.
At this point in ti, the ng familys reputation was temporarily unmatched. All the imperial concubines gradually let go of thoughts of striving for favour and secretly comforted themselves: The only reason that the Emperor favours Virtuous Consort is because of Imperial Duke ng. After this matter blows over, his favour for her will surely wane!
All of the imperial concubines silently endured the resentnt in their hearts and further vented their feelings upon Shen Huiru. They used all kinds of inhuman punishnts in succession, leaving her alive but in a state worse than death.
Seeing that her fingernails had all been torn off her badly mangled fingertips and that no place on her body was left unscathed, she curled up on top of the unbearably filthy, repulsive bed. Her eyes shone with a crazy yet bitterly resentful light.
These days, the citizens of Great Zhou had their heads raised in expectation, hoping that the ng familys army would finally enter the capital. In the large camp stationed in the suburbs of the capital, the people lined the streets in welco everywhere they passed. Emperor Zhouwu himself even ascended the city gate tower to personally welco them.
This campaign had established Imperial Duke ng as Great Zhous most valiant general. Moreover, the Emperors move of beheading a hundred thousand barbarians, nearly to the point of wiping them out entirely, had left an indelible impression on the officers and soldiers.
After nurous violent battles, no one hated the Barbarians more than them. They were gladly willing to submit to this iron-blooded and unwavering young monarch.
Emperor Zhouwus eyes flashed as he caught sight of the black box in Imperial Duke ngs hands. He said indifferently, Pass it over.
Imperial Duke ng agreed and handed the box over to Changxi. His gaze quickly swept across where his son stood amongst the row of military officials, apparently in high spirits and trembling with excitent, and his mood suddenly beca indescribably complicated. He didnt know if he ought to be pleased or concerned.
Changxi opened the black box. The officials who were sitting, particularly the civil officials, all rose, sucking in a cold breath. The box did not contain any rare treasures it was actually a li-covered head. Both of the heads eyes were still open, and it bore a warped expression. It was Yeluhan Wang, who had been beheaded in front of all the troops.
All of the officials expressions were filled with horror and shock as they lowered their heads. ng Yanzhou and the other military officers who had just returned felt excited and proud from head to foot. Their bloodlust could clearly be felt.
Emperor Zhouwus eyes darkened as he stared at the head in front of him for a good while before finally breaking into a hearty laugh.
The sound of his laughter was bold and impassioned as he praised, Excellent! Zhen once vowed that as long as We are alive, We must trample Yeluhan Wangs palace and offer the barbarians blood as a sacrifice to the vengeful spirits of Great Zhous million tragic dead. This vow has finally been achieved today!
Your Majesty is brilliant, therefore the Heavens assisted Great Zhou! Imperial Duke ng replied, stepping forward to give a cup-handed salute. This young monarch had more than enough ability to earn his respect.
Its not that Zhen is brilliant, its that Zhens soldiers are valiant! Without all of you, how could a hundred years of peace be achieved for Our Great Zhou? Emperor Zhouwu smiled brightly as he hinted at Changxi to issue the imperial edict rewarding the entire army.
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Imperial Duke ng stood quietly with his head bowed. His expression was very grave.
He was already ranked as an Imperial Duke, in control of a massive military force. Even if the Emperor wanted to reward him, what more could he give? Now that his prestige had risen even further, regardless of whether this was a blessing or a curse for the ng family, it ought to be the right ti for him to honourably retire.
Thinking of his daughter, locked within the depths of the palace, he recalled the rumour saying that she had been rather favoured by His Majesty recently. Imperial Duke ng gave a bitter smile and waited for the imperial proclamation to end.
As expected, he had only obtained a few valuable items. He stepped forward again, giving a cup-handed salute, and said, Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble official encountered misfortune by chance and suffered a deep injury. It will be hard for this subject to assu the office of the Jianwei Great General. May Your Majesty grant this subjects sincere request to retire from this ones governnt post. Here is the military seal. May Your Majesty please take it back.
Emperor Zhouwu took the military tiger tally as Changxi presented it, and said nothing for a long ti.
It was unusually silent in the Great Hall. Everyone, without exception, tried to guess the young monarchs thoughts while secretly admiring Imperial Duke ngs decision. There was no doubt that right now was his best opportunity to retire from his post.
The secret guards had long since received detailed intelligence that other than mild frostbite, there was nothing wrong with Imperial Duke ngs body.
Emperor Zhouwu stroked the ice-cold tiger tally in his hand with an unreadable expression. This was sothing he had always longed to obtain from Imperial Duke ng, but now that he had truly obtained it, he found that his desire for it had disappeared long ago.
To command an army, one depended on the will of the people and the resolution to lead, not so re object.
Examining the anxious expressions of the seated high-ranking military officials, Emperor Zhouwu gave a mocking smile and handed the tiger tally to Changxi before slowly opening his mouth to speak.
Imperial Duke ng possesses a sturdy physique, even better than a young mans. How could a bit of frostbite make you go as far as to retire from your post? Zhen will dispatch a few imperial physicians to help you recover. Youll be able to lead the troops in battle in no ti. Imperial Duke is the soul of our Great Zhous army. So long as Imperial Duke is present, Zhen can feel at ease and our citizens of Great Zhou will also feel at ease. Take back this tiger tally.
Accepting the tiger tally offered to him by Changxi, Imperial Duke ng looked up at the monarch with eyes full of disbelief.
Wasnt military power sothing he had always coveted dearly? How could he just give it back?
At this mont, Imperial Duke ng thought of innurable plots and machinations, and he couldnt prevent a shiver from running down his spine.
Seeing the guarded expression in Imperial Duke ngs eyes, Emperor Zhouwu sneered. He waved his hand at once and announced the closing of court.
Imperial Duke ng walked out side by side with his son. He still wore a hesitant expression and didnt expect that he would be called to stop by Changxi, who told him that the Emperor had given special permission for him and Her Ladyship Virtuous Consort to et. His heart couldnt help but feel joy. ng Yanzhou also accompanied them eagerly.
The father and son pair entered Bixiao Palace, but they were imdiately startled because the interior design of Bixiao Palace was extrely similar to Sangyus boudoir. Only the surface area was enlarged.
The furnishings and decorations in the palace hall were by no ans luxurious or refined, but the plain and simple designs couldnt hide the preciousness of the materials.
Many green potted plants were placed in between the furniture, making the main hall overflow with the feeling of spring. The light scent of vegetation superseded the strong sll of incense, causing one to unconsciously relax.
ng Sangyu sat upright in the hosts seat, wearing a luxurious court dress of the highest rank. Looking from afar, her imposing manner forcefully captured ones attention.
The father and son pair ca to a stop, silently enduring the emotions swelling up within them, and prepared to kneel and pay their respects.
Quickly rise! ng Sangyu couldnt wait anymore and rushed forward to support her fathers arm.
Seeing the frostbite that was exposed on the back of her fathers hand, her eyes imdiately reddened as large teardrops fell down her face. No matter how much she stood in the public eye, before Imperial Duke ng, she was still that small girl who had yet to grow up.
Silly child, why are you crying? Didnt father return safe and sound? Imperial Duke ng frowned, wanting to wipe his daughters tears, but catching sight of his own coarse fingers he paused again.
His daughters rosy-cheeked appearance had grown even plumper compared to before she entered the palace. She was clearly living very well, making him feel even more assured. The rims of his eyes also slightly reddened.
Nurse Feng hurried forward to hand over a handkerchief. ng Yanzhou imdiately cracked a joke, finally coaxing the father and daughter pair to calm down.
After briefly inquiring about the challenges her father had experienced to return and her brothers situation in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, ng Sangyu took a sip from the teacup in her hand with a grave expression. How could the Emperor not accept your honoured selfs tiger tally?
Father has just returned to court in triumph. If His Majesty imdiately took away Fathers military power, Im afraid it would look like I was cast aside,[1]chilling the hearts of many military officers and soldiers. Father has already clearly shown to him that I do not covet power, so his reservations towards the ng family ought to have lessened.[2]
ng Sangyu nodded. Thats likely to be the case.
How can that be? His Majesty has such a heroic character. If he says he trusts Father, then that must be true! In my opinion, he decided not to withdraw the tiger tally this ti because His Majesty has no plans to ever withdraw your honoured selfs military power. Both of you are thinking too much into it! ng Yanzhou waved a hand unconcernedly. His expression was full of reverence for His Majesty.
He trained you into such a loyal dog so quickly. Calling you a muscle-brain was truly correct!
The veins in ng Sangyus temples pulsed, but she didnt say anything more. She knew that her brother was simple-minded and pure-hearted. He was the kind of wholeheartedly loyal subordinate who could satisfy his superior the most. His official career in the Embroidered Uniform Guard was sure to be successful with this kind of personality. Teaching him how to plot would go against his nature and put him in a bad light.
It was evident that Imperial Duke ng thought the sa. The father and daughter pair glanced at each other and avoided the subject in tacit understanding.
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Seeing that her fathers expression hadnt changed, she turned the teacup in her hand and confidently began to speak. I presu that Father had not received the letter I sent before you were trapped in the Muddy Shores?
Letter? Imperial Duke ngs brows wrinkled as he muttered, Indeed I did not. After I was rescued, I was busy with the battle situation. The administrative official also did not ntion this. It must have been mixed with the official docunts. Father will look for it when I return.
ng Sangyus tightly coiled heart imdiately relaxed. It was fine if her father hadnt seen the letter. Private matters concerning frightening days in the imperial household ought to be left alone to rot. The fewer people who knew of it the better.
She waved a hand and said carefully, Father should burn it after Father finds it. Please do not read it by any ans. Fortunately, she had used a secret code to write the letter so there would be no harm if others saw it.
Imperial Duke ngs expression slightly changed, but due to his trust in his daughter, he didnt inquire further and just nodded in agreent.
Since Father agreed, he will definitely follow through on his promise.ng Sangyu smiled slightly, feeling completely relieved.
ng Yanzhou was at a total loss,[3]but knew that there were many things his father and younger sister were hiding from him. Even if he asked, it would be no use.
The three of them chatted for a while. Imperial Duke ng hesitated for quite a while before finally telling his daughter about the worry he had kept in the back of his mind.
Yuer, this ti when Father was almost killed, there were traces of your Second Uncles[4]handiwork. If he hadnt tampered with my mount, Father wouldnt have been trapped in the Muddy Shores to nearly perish. He joined forces with Xie Zhenghao, wanting to get rid of Father and Han Changping and seize my noble title and military power.
ng Sanyus eyebrows twisted as her eyes lit up with fury. In contrast, ng Yanzhou nearly slapped the table, rising out of his seat on the verge of losing his cool.
Their second uncle had been spoiled by Old Madam ng from a young age. Since he was also a legitimate son of the family, he strongly coveted his elder brothers title. It wasnt the first ti that he had pulled strings on the battlefield. If he hadnt had Old Madam ngs support, Imperial Duke ng would have long since wanted to separate their households.[5]
No one would have guessed that not only had he not exercised restraint after Old Madam ng passed away and he lost his support, but he had also intensified his actions, never comprehending who he had depended on to obtain his ritorious military service, high position, and wealth.
ng Sangyus hands balled into fists and she spoke coldly, Colluding with Xie Zhenghao? This is treason! If His Majesty were to know of this, all of the ng familys nine degrees of kin would be implicated! ng Sangyus only emotion towards this Second Uncle, who wholeheartedly wanted to stab his own family in the back, was loathing. Not the slightest bit of familial affection remained.
Mother and Younger Sister were right![6]Second Uncle is a scourge [to our family!] We ought to have separated our family from theirs and tossed him out long ago![7]ng Yanzhou was indignant at the injustice towards his father and audibly ground his teeth.
Upon seeing that his son and daughter were on his side, Imperial Duke ngs solemn expression slightly loosened and he said gravely, Father already dealt with him before we marched back to the capital. Death still leaves him a good reputation as a martyr who sacrificed himself for the country. Its just that Father does not know how to make arrangents for your Second Auntie and her two children.
As the Commander-in-Chief of an army, how could Imperial Duke ng be soone who was soft-hearted? He would always put the big picture before familial affection, but if one touched his bottom line, he wouldnt yield even an inch. Choosing between the entire ng clan and the second branch of his family, Imperial Duke ng chose his clan without the slightest hesitation.
In retrospect, apart from feeling a weight off his chest, he actually didnt feel any grief. His patience for his younger brother had long since run dry. He was convinced that in the Nine Springs below,[8]the ng familys ancestors would understand his actions.
Buy a villa outside and let them move in. The main offender was already dead. ng Sangyu let out a breath of relief, but her tone was extrely cold and detached.
Imperial Duke ng muttered to himself for a mont before shaking his head and saying, The second branch still hasnt been separated from the family. In any case, now theyre also a martyrs widow and orphans. The entire Capital has eyes on us, making it inconvenient for Father to cut them off too coldly. It would be better to bring them back to the manor first and put off the decision until after the New Year.
This way is fine too. ng Sangyu nodded, expressing her agreent.
ng Yanzhou had no room to cut into the conversation. No one would listen to his opinion anyway, and he could only sigh with boredom.
It was at this ti that the announcent of the eunuch outside could be heard. Emperor Zhouwu lifted the beaded curtain and entered with large strides.
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