Great Jin Palace, Golden Throne Hall.
The Empress, shedding her usual languid demeanor, had her crimson hair coiled up and adorned with a crown. Her gaze pierced through the beaded curtain, sweeping over the prostrate court officials, and she spoke:
“Prime Minister Jiang Canghai led the army on an expedition and falsified the imperial edict. This matter will be set aside for now and dealt with later.”
“First, report the current military situation. Time is of the essence, no need for formalities, speak quickly.”
The Minister of Personnel, holding a jade tablet, bowed and said:
“Before Prime Minister Jiang left, he instructed me to temporarily guard the capital and gave me a communication jade slip. Last night, the Prime Minister sent back military information. The army, riding the Map of Mountains and Rivers, has already reached the territory of the Western Buddhist Kingdom.”
“However, the forces of the Western Buddhist Kingdom are intricate and complex. For thousands of years, they have always stirred up trouble from the shadows.”
“Even the records of various countries are vague about the Western Buddhist Kingdom. Therefore, the Prime Minister is dispatching scouts to investigate the situation.”
Dongfang Liuli tapped her fingers on the armrest, producing a rapid thudding sound, revealing her inner unrest.
This was a high-stakes blitzkrieg, aiming for a swift and decisive victory. The longer it dragged on, the more likely it would be detected.
A million troops leaving the country couldn’t go unnoticed. If the Western Buddhist Kingdom caught wind of it, the consequences would be unimaginable!
The distance between the Eastern Great Jin and the Western Buddhist Kingdom spanned over ten thousand miles. Jiang Canghai was leading a lone army into the enemy’s stronghold. If discovered, the Western Buddhist Kingdom would likely drag the million-strong army into a quagmire of war. Even the Northern Sejong Alliance might seize the opportunity to hinder Great Jin’s support.
The court officials, worried, voiced their opinions:
“The Western Buddhist Kingdom’s territory is vast, spanning tens of millions of miles, with countless temples and millions of monks who only follow the Zen path. But strangely, these thousands of temples never communicate with each other, like a disorganized rabble, each minding their own business.”
“It seems like a scattered force, but historically, the Western Buddhist Kingdom has always inexplicably averted crises. There must be a ruler or an organization controlling everything from the shadows.”
“Many overlords have risen in the Wilderness, proclaiming the destruction of Buddhism, but they all met untimely ends, often dying mysteriously. It’s not easy for the Prime Minister to uncover the hidden hand in a short time.”
“The Ji family in Sky State poses an imminent threat. If we don’t destroy Buddhism and unify the Wilderness quickly, how will we resist the Ji family’s invasion in the future?”
“But the Buddhist Kingdom is deeply hidden. How do we find them? It would be better to recall the troops and first eliminate the Northern Sejong Alliance, then proceed gradually!”
“That’s easy to say. The Prime Minister must have thought it through. Since he decided to attack the Buddhist Kingdom first, he must have his reasons. What do you know!”
“You old fool, dare you insult me? Let’s go outside and settle this!”
“Let’s go, who’s afraid of whom? It’s been years since I last beat you up, my hands are itching.”
……
……
Dongfang Liuli’s thumb struck the table heavily, and instantly, the court fell silent. The previous noisy scene, reminiscent of a marketplace, vanished.
“Silence.”
“I allowed you to express your opinions, not to turn the court into a ruckus.”
Dongfang Liuli frowned slightly, feeling somewhat helpless.
Great Jin’s unification efforts had been too ambitious, stretching them thin. Even the most capable ministers couldn’t solve a century-old problem abruptly.
For thousands of years, successive rulers had tried to eradicate the Buddhist Kingdom, a deeply rooted organization in the Wilderness, dedicated to brainwashing and spreading its doctrines.
But no one succeeded, let alone expecting the court officials to come up with a solution in just a few days.
It was like asking a top student in an elementary class to compete in a national math competition and saying, “I believe in you, you can win.”
Ridiculous.
“Your Majesty, the Empress’ Husband has awakened,” Su Qingqiu approached silently and whispered.
“Awakened?”
Dongfang Liuli’s eyes brightened, finally hearing some good news. Her mood improved slightly, and she immediately stood up impatiently, waving her sleeve, “Court dismissed.”
Since there was no solution, it was a waste of time to linger. Better to see her husband.
The court officials looked at each other, helpless.
“Your Majesty, you haven’t issued any decree. Are you just going to leave the Prime Minister to his fate?” The Minister of War asked anxiously.
Dongfang Liuli lifted her hem and was about to leave. She turned back and said, “Instead of watching you argue, I might as well ask the Empress’ Husband. Seeing him is also a state affair.”
Minister of Personnel: ……
So reasonable, we have no rebuttal.
When in doubt, ask the Empress’ Husband. Most of the court officials present were involved in the Present Village project and knew who the Empress’ Husband really was.
The Empress’ Husband’s authority was as radiant as the sun, no less than the reigning Empress.
……
……
Present Village, Green Tiles Small House.
Meng Qingzhou was practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard, stretching his muscles. After finishing his routine, he stood firm and retracted his fists, marveling:
“My injuries have fully healed, and my cultivation level has advanced further. Even my aptitude has undergone a transformation. The Nine Layers of Divine Tribulation is indeed extraordinary.”
That Emperor Grade Realm-Breaking Pill wasn’t wasted after all.
Creak…
The courtyard door opened, and Dongfang Liuli entered with a tray holding a bowl of plain congee. She closed the door behind her and approached with a charming smile, “You’re awake.”
Meng Qingzhou sniffed the air and said in surprise, “Congee? I am a bit hungry. Congee is perfect for recovering from a serious illness.”
Dongfang Liuli placed the congee on the table and quickly supported Meng Qingzhou, “Take it slow.”
Soon, the sound of spoon and bowl clinking filled the courtyard.
The Empress’s gaze softened as she watched Meng Qingzhou drink the congee, recalling the day when she was afflicted by a cold, and Meng Qingzhou won her heart with a bowl of plain congee.
Today, the tables had turned. The salted fish had recovered from his severe injuries, and it was her turn to push open the courtyard door and offer a bowl of congee.
Plain congee—Qingzhou.
Meng Qingzhou, for some reason, had a faint smile on his lips, as if recalling a happy memory.
One stood and one sat, one focused on drinking the congee, the other clasped her hands in front of her, gazing at him, her thoughts returning to the day they promised to spend their lives together in the hidden city…
“How are your injuries?” Dongfang Liuli leaned forward, her black hair cascading down, her breath fragrant, as if she wanted to touch Meng Qingzhou’s forehead.
Meng Qingzhou turned his head, his cheek brushing against a soft, breathtaking sensation…
“Mm…” Dongfang Liuli covered her mouth, her face instantly flushed.
“Sorry, I didn’t notice.” Meng Qingzhou touched his cheek, then feigned confusion, “But, we’re an old married couple. Why are you still shy about a kiss?”
“In the future, if I really want you… won’t you faint from embarrassment?”
………………
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