Joyful one

On such a quiet night, in such an open hall, he heard her laugh softly, a laughter that held little joy, merely faintly revealing a sense of desolation.

The man in the black robe raised his sleeve, closed his eyes again, and said, "After dinner, send it over"

Her bare skin touched by the damp chill of the outside air shivered involuntarily, and she wrapped the blanket tighter around herself before saying: "But feel free to ask."

She abruptly threw off the blanket, sat up steadily, and instinctively squinted her eyes.

He, however, appeared to be unconcerned, picking up the wine cup before him and drinking it all in one go. Then he chuckled lightly and said, "What is the matter, gentlemen? Could it be that my previous words were mistaken? Do you not think that even if a celestial being descended from the heavens, they would still be unable to match His Majesty's countenance?"

Zhu Xiong raised his hand to scratch his head and chuckled twice, "Your Majesty, we... we have been pondering that it has been nearly two months since we came out, and Your Majesty must be feeling quite stifled, which is why... why..."

In a fit of anger, she unexpectedly broke into a smile, her fingers gripping the hard edge of the table, and her long, scallion-like nails snapped off at the root.

She is the emperor of the Tai Tuo Kingdom, she is a woman, and she is the first female emperor in the history of the Tai Tuo Kingdom

Di Feng's face showed a slight change of expression, his lips pressed tightly together. He stood outside the hall, waiting for the palace maid to enter and report before he slowly stepped inside.

These words of great disrespect escaped his lips, and in an instant, all sounds in the hall ceased, leaving only the lingering echoes of the broken zither strings, reverberating aimlessly throughout the grand hall

The woman let out a light laugh, imbued with a hint of a delicate moan. With a slight withdrawal of her leg, she freed herself from the man's grasp

A glimmer suddenly flashed in Ying Huan's eyes, and he withdrew his hand into the sleeve of his robe, gripping it tightly

He slightly clenched his fist and raised his chin, saying: "Since Your Majesty has spoken, it is not difficult at all. However, I must first return to the court to report to my sovereign, and then select a hundred or so of the finest young men in the country to present before Your Majesty."

Ying Huan's nails dug into her palm, and after a moment of silence, her body trembled slightly. "No wonder, how could no one have thought of this earlier! Zhuzhou is originally a major town and fortress on the border of the State of Qiu. I was still wondering when Ye Qi had such a fierce general, who in just twenty days quelled this chaos and even took Zhuzhou! It turns out it was him!"

Her heart raced uncontrollably, and the flowers on her chest suddenly bloomed. A warm current spread throughout her limbs and bones, as she saw the man before her, captivating and demonic in appearance, staring at her with cold, glinting eyes, and he coldly uttered a single phrase

Ying Huan half-sat up, embracing the red silk quilt with golden threads, lazily leaning against the wall. Her red lips curved into a smile, though the joy on her face diminished somewhat, "Once you step outside this palace, if you dare to speak recklessly, do not blame me for being heartless and ungrateful"

Di Feng stood up, steadied himself, hesitated for a moment, "Your Majesty..."

Ying Huan lightly waved her sleeve, and the several palace attendants standing beside her understood the signal and retreated.

So, that woman's eyes must be a mix of blue and black

Gu Qin did not rise or retort, nor did he even glance at the person. He merely raised an eyebrow slightly and turned his gaze back to Ying Huan, smiling as he said: "I am inherently a person who does not concern myself with trivial matters. Moreover, I am certainly not a minister of Tai Tuo, so I speak my mind freely. This time, I have come from Ye Qi, truly on the orders of my superior, intending to negotiate the release of the eight thousand commoners who were previously captured by General Di and taken to the country of Tai Tuo."

Without exception, it is indeed without exception

The fingers gently brushed over the side where Ning Mo had previously lain, the cool satin surprisingly smooth, resembling the skin on his body

Sister Qiao fell to the ground but did not rise, kneeling as she trembled and said: "Your Majesty, please do not be angry. It is the commoner who does not understand the rules and does not know how to serve Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy and not drive me away, for otherwise, I will also suffer if I return..."

The man remained still, allowing her hand to rest on his forehead. The cool fingertips made him increasingly alert. After a while, he finally reached out to pull aside the gauze curtain, slightly tilting his body outward.

He set the book in his hand aside on the table and said to the woman, "What is your name?"

On the second day of the third month, the General-in-Chief of Jingyuan, Di Feng, was appointed as the commander of the water and land expeditionary forces, advancing eastward to confront the enemy with the intention of pursuing the state of Zhu. On the twenty-second day, both armies lost their supply routes, and a total of eight thousand grain transporters from Ye and Qi were captured by Di Feng. At that time, the two nations had been in discord for many years, and the rift had long been established. When they reached the battlefield, the drums and curses of the Ye and Qi armies were unbearable. Di Feng, seeing that the supply route was cut off and the prolonged standoff was disadvantageous, decided to cease hostilities and return to court.

Gu Qin was taken aback for a moment, hesitating briefly, "Your Majesty's meaning..."

Di Feng gazed into the pair of shimmering eyes before him, his throat momentarily dry, his voice hoarse, rendering him speechless. After a long pause, he could only utter: "Your servant ... ... "

Four generals stood on either side of the tent, hands clasped behind their backs, their postures upright and commanding

The man seated wore a black robe intricately woven with gold embroidery at the cuffs, with patterns pressed upon patterns, forming circles that connected to one another

Yet he could not comprehend how such a man could bow down and serve a woman for a full ten years

Even with a myriad of national beauties and countless charms, they cannot shake his heart nor disturb his principles

The blood from the man's mouth slid down to his throat, and as he opened his mouth, his voice was extremely hoarse: "Your Majesty, I am guilty, and I am willing to accept military law! I only ask Your Majesty... I only ask Your Majesty to show mercy and spare my entire family..."

Ying Huan gently swayed her palace sleeves, covered her lips and smiled, saying: "What I enjoy, I suppose everyone in Ye Qi's country knows, right?"

A gentle voice from the front seat of the room said: "Get up and speak."

Her gaze was like a sharp sword, piercing directly into her eyes, causing her to feel an overwhelming panic. Her heart skipped a beat, as if something had shattered, leaving a painful sting in her heart

It is rather uncomfortable in my heart; if such talents could be in Taiyuan, how wonderful it would be

As the handsome curtain was lifted, a woman stumbled in, pushed by someone. Her bare skirt caught on her feet, and she nearly fell to the ground

Jade warms and gives rise to smoke

Gu Qin was still in a daze when her voice, cold and deep as the abyss, echoed in his ears: "Go back and tell He Xi, if he is willing to come and be my male concubine, I will return those eight thousand commoners to him"

Ying Huan lowered her sleeves, the smile on her face gradually fading, her eyes revealing a chill. "If you wish to redeem someone, you may. However, I want the most handsome man in the Ye Qi Kingdom."

Someone behind him was laughing, and he was suddenly startled, realizing only then that he had been oblivious. He couldn't help but raise his head again, meeting Ying Huan's gaze, feeling a slight indignation in his heart, only to understand that she had intentionally put him in an awkward position

The man on the ground struck his head against the floor vigorously, one blow after another. The sound, in this vast tent, was truly startling.

Di Feng furrowed his brows, lost in thought for a while, without uttering a word

He then stood up, raised his head, and immediately caught sight of the man standing with his hands clasped behind his back at the side of the hall

She looked at Di Feng, who was kneeling on the ground, her eyes still filled with disbelief. "How is this possible! If he were to lead the charge himself, how could there have been no news from the court all along?"

That smile possesses three parts of heroism, two parts of charm, and five parts of pride

Ying Huan gazed at the ever-changing expression on Gu Qin's face, a slight curve at the corner of his lips, a lift at the corner of his eyes, and a smile blossoming in his heart

In a vast world, she was born against all odds

The color of Ying Huan's face darkened by an inch, "From beginning to end, I have not condemned you. Why do you insist on claiming your guilt?" She turned around, "In the midst of Nan Zhao and Bei Jian, who would not tremble at the sound of the Di wind? Your lifetime of military achievements was ruined in the battle for Zhu Zhou. Do you not harbor any resentment yourself?"

However, he could not afford to enjoy the scenery, moving like the wind beneath his feet, following the man in yellow directly into the forbidden area

A head of unbound black hair cascades down to the shoulders, with a face resembling warm jade, yet possessing a pair of brown eyes that pierce to the very marrow.

On the edge of the collapse, a man is kneeling. His hair falls down from the sides, scattered messily over one shoulder. He is dressed neatly in a fine ribbed cotton robe, with wide sleeves open. His hands are well-defined, with long fingers.

Ying Huan no longer spoke, waiting to see him step out of the palace door, before pulling the blanket over and lying back down on the bed

... ... ... ...

The man with brown eyes squinted slightly, leaning against the back of the seat, and said to the people below: "If there is nothing further to report, you may all withdraw. Aside from the ten thousand guards stationed in the city, the remaining troops will all depart for the capital tomorrow."

Di Feng clenched his fists tighter, lowered his head, and said, "I... I am here to plead for forgiveness."

The man on the ground wore a pained expression, taking two steps forward with his knees, but was immediately restrained by the knife-wielding guards on either side, rendering him unable to move.

No matter the matter, as long as she intervenes, he has never had a smooth experience

Qiao Mei looked at him, gently nodding her head, and said: "Zhuzhou is located at the junction of Taidu and Nandu, where the population is a mix of various regions, which is why the eyes of the local women may have a hint of blue. If one goes further west, into the territory of Taidu, the women there often have eyes that are predominantly blue with a tinge of black."

That man accused her of being excessively promiscuous

That person, with their pride and determination, had regarded her as a thorn in their side for many years, constantly obstructing her at every turn; yet she never anticipated that even his subordinates could be so audacious.

Di Feng narrowed his eyes and raised his hand to bow to the man, "Doctor Ning."

Hearing these words, Ning Mo's heart instantly felt three parts colder. He turned to look back, but could not see her face clearly, so he lowered his eyes and said, "I dare to ask a question..."

He leaned against the side of the bed, remaining silent for a moment, before hoarsely saying: "Your Majesty... do you treat all men this way?"

As she was lost in thought, Guqin turned to look at the throne in the great hall, a smile in his eyes. When their gazes met, she did not even attempt to look away.

Ying Huan summoned a young palace maid, "Bring a cup of tea and prepare a seat for General Di."

The woman did not dare to raise her eyes, trembling all over, and whispered softly: "Sister Qiao"

His tongue rolled over the back of her ear, leaving a glistening trace of foam, and he leaned close to her cheek, asking: "Are you afraid of me?"

Di Feng was greatly shocked, and he could no longer maintain his composure on his face. The State of Ye Qi has sent envoys here?

The woman propped herself up, and the brocade slipped down from her body, revealing that she was not wearing anything underneath

Walk straight for five large steps, then move to the right for two steps, kneel down, and the armor on your body will clatter along with you

In the vast Jinghuan Hall, only she and he remained

Di Feng's face was as cold as ice, staring at Gu Qin, his heart filled with a desire to draw his sword and cleave that arrogant man in half right there in the hall

He raised his eyebrows for a moment, tugged at the collar of his robe, loosened his clothing slightly, and then looked at Qiao Mei, saying: "I will give you one more chance."

Ying Huan raised her hand, the wide and ample sleeves of her palace robe cascading down her bare wrists. "Ning Mo, you may withdraw for now."

Ning Mo's eyelashes did not lift, her body remained motionless, waiting by the side until she was properly dressed and had gotten off the bed, before he slightly raised his chin and stood up to move to one side

The outdoor sky has begun to show a hint of brightness, and the golden flowers on the black dust-covered ceiling reflect the light coming through the window, dazzling her eyes

Di Feng's expression grew darker, and his fists clenched tighter. "Not to mention that I have not heard of it within the capital, even when I was facing him in the provinces, I had no idea who that person was. It was only later, when scouts crossed the river and explored the route, that by chance I overheard what was being said in that camp, and that is how I came to know!"

Qiao Mei shuddered, opened her eyes, and immediately collided with his gaze, sharp as a blade

In this vast world, who can compare to that person in terms of debauchery

debauched and unrestrained

On that day ... . ... The man wore a dark armor with a white tassel, and the horse beneath him was entirely black. The silver spear under his arm shone brilliantly, and even from a distance of thousands of troops, one could sense his commanding presence amidst the ranks of Ye and Qi.

Gu Qin never expected that, in this grand hall where civil and military officials were gathered, she would utter such rebellious words, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words to respond

The newcomer is indeed very young, surnamed Gu and named Qin. He was the top scholar in the first class of the imperial examination three years ago in the State of Ye Qi. Now he holds an official position of the fifth rank, reputed to possess exceptional talent, and is quite favored and celebrated. He is assigned to the Hanlin Academy and often gives lectures on congratulatory matters at the Chongqin Hall.

Qiao Mei's wet eyelashes trembled slightly, her heart still filled with trepidation. She slowly rose, sitting down along the edge, her small hand gently climbing onto his shoulder. Her lips gradually approached his face, eyes closed, as she delicately licked and kissed the corners of his lips.

The two countries have severed diplomatic ties for several decades, not to mention the numerous obstacles encountered in the past ten years. However, regarding the recently concluded conflict, he could not fathom why Ye Qi would send envoys at this time

Di Feng felt a jolt in his heart and became flustered, "I have no such intention!"

Jinghuan Hall

Congratulations, at this moment, he had already removed his outer robe and was only wearing a loose-sleeved inner garment. He walked to the edge of the couch, sat down, and leisurely said to her: "Come here"

He paused for a moment, then straightened up and said, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

The man in the black robe suddenly opened his previously squinted eyes, and sparks of fire flickered within. After gazing at him for a while, he finally curled his thin lips and said: "Zhu Xiong, when did you start to take care of such trivial matters?"

She raised her hand, exuding an imposing aura, lifted the wine cup from the table, and suddenly tilted it. The fine liquid splashed down abruptly, splattering at his feet and staining his robe.

Each word was spoken with conviction, resonating powerfully, leaving everyone in the hall frozen in place

She leaned against the jade stone table, pulled out a few folded documents from the desk, and tossed them backward. Those documents scattered open in front of him, lying askew all over the ground

Whenever he thinks of that woman, he feels an itch of hatred in his teeth

Although they had never met, she uniquely occupied a corner of his heart for a duration of ten years

Ying Huan withdrew her hand, yet leaned forward, her breath fragrant like orchids, and said beside his face: "What are you afraid of? Just steady your heart in your belly, even if I indulge in debauchery, it will not reach you."

The beautiful eyes, the glowing red lips, are indeed the face from my memories

Ten years, it has been ten years since her ascension to the throne

At this very moment, facing her, he found himself unable to speak, unable to say anything good about that man

The three large characters hanging high above the main gate, "Sturdy and Majestic Pines," exude a powerful and vigorous aura

Di Feng hung his head in despair. "Originally, both armies had lost their supply routes, and during the confrontation, there was still a chance to fight to the death, with a possibility of victory. However, that person's methods are truly despicable and contemptible, as he incited the troops in front of the battle drums, proclaiming that His Majesty, the Emperor Tai, is indulgent and has countless male favorites in the harem..." Upon hearing these words, the soldiers at the front lost all desire to fight. "I have no other choice but to withdraw the troops back to camp."

On that day, the man accused her of being excessively promiscuous in front of the two armies, which brought her humiliation among the Tai Lun Imperial Guards. Today, she shall return that humiliation to him a hundredfold!

Ning Mo let out a faint sigh, barely audible, then walked outside to fetch his clothes, putting them on one by one. He turned back to look at her and said: "It is still early, Your Majesty, please rest a little longer. I shall take my leave now"

Such goods, do they even dare to present them before him

Di Feng lowered his head and said, "Yes."

Ying Huan's eyelids suddenly twitched, and that voice echoed in her ears again

He felt a moment of darkness in his eyes, his large hand reached up to her chest, slowly kneading for a while, then he tugged at the silk ribbon around her waist, reaching down, pressing and squeezing, then withdrew his hand and released her

The voice was neither hurried nor slow, yet it resembled the flying snow of February, with each word imbued with a chill that suddenly sent a shiver through the person in the tent

Immediately, someone stepped forward and dragged the man on the ground outside the tent. The tent flap was lifted and then closed, allowing a gust of wind to rush in, carrying a hint of grass fragrance, which somewhat diluted the bloody smell inside the tent

Those eyes, dark with a hint of blue, are said to be a unique feature of the women from the west

The sounds of horses in the camp gradually diminished, and each tent fell silent, devoid of any noise. Only the patrolling soldiers, holding torches, walked slowly, inspecting every corner.

As the drumbeat ceased, the sound of rain grew louder, and a thick mist of water vapor filled the room.

Though not exceptionally beautiful, her phoenix eyes and cherry lips carry a unique charm of the West, which, when seen, is quite pleasing to the eye

Ying Huan sat at the table, neither touching the wine cup nor moving the silver chopsticks, his eyes solely observing the young man seated at the lower right side.

I see now

Except for one, a woman he had never seen before

Ying Huan closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again to look at Di Feng, his tone softened by three points, "Get up. The memorial from the Yushi Tai impeaching you, I never took to heart. This time, it is not your fault."

The person in my arms curled up like a kitten, tears welling in the corners of their eyes, biting their lip, and their pale fingers tightly gripping the corner of their clothing

Outside the city of Zhuzhou, banners obscure the sky, with ten miles of connected camps, the sounds of soldiers and horses are tumultuous

Di Feng, still clad in armor, wore a face full of anger. Dismounting from his horse in the alley, he proceeded straight ahead.

A man in ochre armor stepped forward, his thick eyebrows raised, and spoke: "Your Majesty, the surrendering officials from Zhuzhou City have sent a woman to the camp today, claiming she is the most beautiful in the city..."

Having said that, she raised her eyebrow, and her gaze became sharp as well

In the darkness, a hint of sarcastic smile brushed past Ying Huan's lips, and she knew that this was the question he wanted to ask... Lowering her voice, she replied softly: "Yes"

Gu Qin was momentarily taken aback, she ... ...

The woman raised her hand to gather her long hair behind her head, turned back to him with a charming smile, her eyes filled with allure, "However, your technique has indeed improved; in the future, do come often."

... ... ... ...

As Ying Huan closed her eyes with a cold smile, she said, "That person is ruthless throughout his life, but his love for the people is commendable. This time, you have captured eight thousand innocent citizens; he cannot possibly endure it! If you do not believe me, just wait and see. This envoy is certainly here to demand people back."

She turned and walked over, pulled out a piece of paper from the desk, her expression slightly changed, and said: "The report presented by the Ministry of Personnel today indicates that the person has sent a messenger to Tai Tun."

The woman gently raised her arm and pressed a cluster of golden beads against her earlobe, her crimson lips parted: "Xuan."

Di Feng furrowed his brows and shook his head, "Your Majesty, could it be that you know?"

The voice is neither loud nor soft, yet it possesses a commanding authority that is irresistible

In Ying Huan's mouth was nothing but cold laughter, "A third-rank general from the obscure Ye Qi Kingdom can toy with you at will? If this were to be said, it would surely make the five nations and the various ministers and generals laugh their heads off!"

He has always judged people based on their bloodline and character

With every gesture and movement, he exudes a remarkable demeanor; during the conversation at the banquet, he maintains a balanced and composed tone, with his words aptly chosen. Even the most rigid and unyielding old ministers in the court, who are usually difficult to please, reveal a rare smile towards him.

On the eighth day of the fourth month, the state of Ye Qi sent envoys to Suiyang, and the Emperor ordered someone to welcome them at the guesthouse; the following day, they were received at the Jiu Chong Hall, where a banquet was held for the ministers and generals.

"For the sake of your eyes, I have decided to keep you."

Qiao Mei moved her feet lightly, inching step by step towards the collapsed side, still not daring to raise her eyes to look at him, her body trembling even more violently.

That man, to say he is full of blood and vigor, is by no means an exaggeration

Eight steps away, there knelt a heavily bound armored general, unhelmed, with blood seeping from the corner of his mouth

He fixed his gaze on her eyes, not shifting his focus for a moment. After a while, he tore the clothes from her body, his scorching hands wrapping around her again and again, leaving marks of red on her skin.

For an emperor, it should be thus

Qiao Mei trembled uncontrollably in his arms, her lips pale and tight, her voice barely audible: "This humble woman... dares not."

The man beside him, a mere fifth-rank civil official, possesses such grace; let alone discussing other renowned ministers and military generals

Ying Huan turned her face towards him, raising an eyebrow and asking, "How is it?"

Gu Qin gazed at her expression, momentarily lost in thought, until a courtier behind him cleared his throat, jolting him back to reality. He hurriedly asked, "May I inquire what Your Majesty desires?"

The royal harem of Ye Qi boasts three thousand beauties; it is said to be three thousand, and indeed there are three thousand.

The civil officials are men, the generals and soldiers are men; if she does not understand men, how can she govern this country

With a sidelong glance, Ying Huan felt a surge of anger in her heart; this person is truly audacious

She leaned against the side table in anger, wondering why, no matter the matter, as long as it was related to that person, everything went wrong for her!

Your Majesty. He spoke, his voice low and hoarse, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

Ning Mo lowered his head in response, and as he exited the hall, he cast another glance at Di Feng, his gaze deep and cold, resembling an abyss and ice.

The man seated raised his eyelashes slightly and looked ahead, a faint smile curling his thin lips as he coldly remarked: "You established the military order before the expedition regarding the grain transport! Five thousand elite soldiers from the palace were assigned to guard the grain, and eight thousand citizens from Ye and Qi were sent along the way with the supplies, yet they were scattered by the cavalry of Tai Lun halfway! I do not grieve for you generals and commanders who eat the emperor's rations, but I grieve for those eight thousand unarmed citizens who were thus captured by Di Feng! Eight thousand lives exchanged for the life of your family, what grievances do you still have to voice?"

Di Fengya clenched his teeth, "On that day, I only saw that his supply route was lightly guarded, so I took the opportunity to strike at the enemy and headed straight for the supply route. Who could have anticipated that he still had a group of elite soldiers hidden in his ranks, who seized my supply route ahead of me!"

Isn't it different from what you originally thought?" She continued to smile and asked him softly

That person has no right to say such things

After the early morning dispersal, Ying Huan remained alone with Di Feng in the side hall to discuss matters

Gu Qin looked at her, his eyes bright and spirited. After a moment, he unexpectedly lowered his head and began to smile.

... However, who says that understanding men requires sacrificing oneself?

The silk robe clung closely to the skin, bringing in a chill.

Ying Huan retracted her hand, turned over, and softly called out, "Ning Mo."

Among the courtiers in the hall, some could no longer remain seated, standing up straight with flushed faces, pointing at Gu Qin and exclaiming: "Do not utter such wild words! Lord Gu, do you not see where you are? How can you be so audacious!"

Over the course of ten years, each moment and every glance has been just like this

Ying Huanli interrupted him succinctly, squinting as he said: "What I am asking about is that matter."

Upon thinking of this, He Xi felt a heaviness in his chest, and could not help but recall Di Fenglai, whom he had faced off against half a month ago

Inside, a woman lay sprawled, her black hair like satin, wrapped in a brocade quilt, crumpled into a ball. A hint of sweat glistened on her delicate skin, and a dazzling white jade bracelet swayed on her slender wrist

It is indeed a red rain from the heavens

He galloped across the battlefield, commanding thousands, yet when facing her, he became flustered and lost his composure

Ning Mo stood up, lifted the gauze curtain, and moved slowly, "Is there no exception?"

A woman who has taken several male concubines in the imperial harem, indulging in excessive debauchery

Di Feng's face finally showed a difficult expression, and after hesitating for half a day, he said: "The portrait Your Majesty desires is indeed hard to obtain. I have sought out all the reputable painters in the capital and had them paint according to the descriptions provided by those generals. However, none of the paintings bear any resemblance... Moreover, I have been considering that those generals probably have no opportunity to see the true appearance of His Majesty the Emperor of Ye Qi, and what they have said is likely just their own fanciful conjecture..."

This smile is comparable to the golden flowers in the palace, suddenly illuminating the eyes of the ancient Qin.

Ten years, it has been ten years

Licentious and unrestrained? How dare that person say she is licentious and unrestrained in front of the Tai Tun Imperial Guard

Ning Mo nodded and smiled, saying: "General Di has just returned to the capital after a long and tiring journey."

What is desolation; what is debauchery

Ning Mo's lips curled slightly, suddenly revealing a cold yet elegant demeanor, "Thank you, Your Majesty"

The young palace maid complied with the instructions, directing her attention solely to the brush holder in front of the desk, lightly touching the edge of the table with her fingers, and she ceased to speak

Silks, satins, and brocades are haphazardly spread all over the ground

Ying Huan glanced at him and let out a light laugh, "Do you know what intentions he harbors in his heart?"

Just a tough guy, yet in the end, his voice unexpectedly choked up

Ying Huan's hand was withdrawn from the bed, sliding along the man's chest all the way up, directly reaching his face, covering his eyes, and softly saying: "Why are you not sleeping, but just staring at me?"

Ying Huan suddenly smiled, her laughter gradually growing louder. With a flick of her sleeve, she turned and walked towards the side of the hall, "General Di Feng, you also have a time to come and plead for forgiveness!"

Di Feng glanced at her, having had no opportunity to observe her closely. During the confrontation between the two armies, he had only caught a distant glimpse, yet he could not ascertain whether the person beneath the armor was indeed him

Di Feng raised his chin, meeting her icy gaze. He opened his lips, hesitated, and then softly said: "The person I referred to is indeed him."

He expanded his territory to the east, while she occupied land and gathered people to the west. The three kingdoms in the north and south formed a close alliance, relying on their geographical advantages to resist the forces from the east and west

He held the woman's small foot that was exposed outside the blanket, his palm gently rubbing her sole, kneading and massaging slowly. He noticed that the woman's toes curled up, and only then did he release his grip, gradually moving his hand up to her ankle, then inching up along her smooth calf.

Ying Huan glanced around the hall at everyone present, her gaze locking onto Gu Qin. Her expression remained calm, her long eyelashes gently fluttering as she smiled and said, "What is the ransom amount?"

If it were not for her sending Di Feng to cause trouble during this southern expedition to the west, he would have likely already invaded the territory of Nan Guo by now

She got up from the pillow and felt for her clothes, a set of undergarments with a black background and golden threads. With her lotus-like feet touching the ground, she reached for the large-sleeved purple robe on the floor. As she raised her arm, she effortlessly slipped into it

A true man should be like this

The envoy from the State of Ye Qi arrived in the capital, and Emperor Ying Huan issued an edict to host a banquet in the Jiu Chong Hall.

In Ying Huan's eyes, the color darkened on one side, sparks flying, yet a smile still adorned his face as he spoke: "I... I have a fondness for handsome men"

In front of the central army's command tent, a solemn atmosphere prevails, with a large flag bearing golden background and black characters standing before the general's tent. Two groups of soldiers, clad in black armor and with their eyebrows arched downwards, stand guard at the tent entrance, their weapons crossed.

The fire in Ying Huan's heart suddenly flared up, and the tea served by the young palace maid was knocked over onto the ground by her hand

She took a step back, turned around, and said, "Step back."

She gently lifted a corner of the blanket, exhaled, her face flushed, with mist on her eyelashes, squinting her eyes, she looked at him and said: "Ning Mo, your courage has grown even greater."

But what thoughts will this ancient Qin have upon returning

She closed her eyes, feeling no drowsiness, her mind exceptionally clear.

Before he could fully comprehend, he saw Ying Huan suddenly rise, her red and gold ceremonial robe dazzling before the crowd in the hall

He immediately stood up, took two steps forward, and stood beneath the imperial throne, smiling as he said: "I have come this time with one hundred thousand taels of silver and fifty thousand bolts of silk. What does Your Majesty think of this?"

In the spring of the tenth year of the Dali era, the troops of Nanfu invaded Yeqi but were unsuccessful and lost the state of Zhuzhou. The Yeqi forces were stationed on the eastern bank of the river, exerting pressure on the territory of Tailan.

The joy of the world has not turned back, "What is there to fear? I shall let you see, you may look without hesitation!"

The hair is tied up high, with a wooden hairpin piercing through it. A pair of eyes, neither too big nor too small, shines with a clever light.

In the span of ten years, if it were to happen each time.

The ceremonial robe had been removed, and she was dressed only in a loose, flowing silk shirt. Leaning against the imperial throne, her gaze was fixed on the willow trees by the pond outside the hall, not even glancing at Di Feng. She spoke softly, "How has the matter we discussed earlier been handled?"

Her watery eyes slightly narrowed, "Although the states have not yet been conquered, the territory of the Tai Tong Kingdom has not been lost either. Your actions in this matter can be considered neither a success nor a failure; it is merely a pity for the national treasury..."

Di Feng stood upright, and upon hearing these words, his eyes couldn't help but grow colder and colder. "In the battle of Zhuzhou, the eight thousand citizens of Ye and Qi that were captured were not all brought back. The few that were brought back are merely low-ranking military officers..."

In the pitch darkness, the outside of the gauze curtain is indistinguishable, and all I can see is the faintly glimmering eyes of the person beside me in the shadows

The heavy door closed behind him, and Di Feng took a deep breath before daring to raise his head and look over.

Di Feng clenched his fist and said in a low voice, "I cannot see clearly, and it is truly difficult to make a judgment."

After reading several memorials, Di Feng suddenly knelt down, his voice heavy: "I, your servant, am aware of my guilt, but I still hope Your Majesty will listen to a few words from me before making a decision."

Women, in his eyes, were merely playthings; no woman had ever received his lasting favor.

Ying Huan could not help but frown, "Bring the few completed paintings for me to have a look."

The exquisite official porcelain tea cup shattered into pieces, lying on the ground in a heart-wrenching sight

Upon hearing this, Ying Huan's expression darkened even further. In the past, it was said that the Emperor of Ye Qi was excessively fond of pleasure, but it seems that this fondness for pleasure might not be an individual trait, but rather a common characteristic among the men of Ye Qi

Ten years, it has been ten years, and matters of this kind, facing each other, are countless, both large and small.

Di Feng pondered for a moment before raising his eyes to ask, "Your Majesty, what are your intentions?"

His tone was truly one of absolute certainty, and his words conveyed an unmistakable sense of inevitability.

People say she has a fondness for handsome men, yet they do not realize that all these years, she has never been pregnant

Yet, his chilling voice echoed in my ears: "Open your eyes."

At this time, the domestic flowers are in full bloom, with lotus flowers blooming during the Xuanhe period, and peach, plum, pear, and apricot trees lining both sides of the imperial street, creating a scene as if embroidered.

He took a deep breath and looked at Qiao Mei again. Her previously pale cheeks had turned rosy, which made him steady his mind and ask her: "Are all the women in the west's eyes like yours?"

The palace gate was not tightly closed, and a breeze intruded, barely slipping in beneath the edge of the gauze curtain and lifting a corner.

With a sharp chin and thin lips, broad shoulders and long arms, he exudes an extraordinary presence, unlike the usual refined and gentle demeanor of handsome men

Gu Qin waved his hand, still smiling, and said loudly in front of the civil and military officials in the hall: "I never expected before coming here that His Majesty Emperor Tai Lun would possess such extraordinary beauty!"

The moment the congratulations were given, he lost all interest, his brows slightly furrowed, and with a flick of his robe, he said, "Get lost"

The man in the black robe touched the paper with the tip of his pen, lightly shook his wrist, and said with lowered eyes: "Take him out and execute him on the spot."

He stared at her, and after a long while, he suddenly reached out, grasping her slender wrist, pulling her into his embrace. With his long arm, he encircled her waist tightly, rendering her unable to move.

Only after his forehead was covered in fresh blood did he raise his head and plead softly: "Your Majesty, I accept my punishment without complaint! But my parents, wife, and children are truly innocent... Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"

He Xiwen heard the voice, walked out from inside, and upon seeing the woman, couldn't help but smile slightly

Ying Huan crumpled the piece of paper in her palm, holding it tightly in her hand. She looked at Di Feng, her eyes brightening for a moment, yet she did not respond to his words. Turning her back, she said: "We will see when the person arrives"

One decree takes a night, yet it takes ten years to fully execute

Ying Huan rubbed the corner of the bed and said, "Without exception."

The man raised his hand, picked up a pen from the desk in front of him, dipped the pen tip in ink, but hesitated to write. His eyes fixed on a piece of paper spread out on the desk, he spoke, "Before I send you away, I will give you another chance to speak."

Di Feng took a step back and said, "I dare not."

Ying Huan stepped down from his seat, walking slowly. As he walked, he spoke: "I have already read the battle report submitted by the Ministry of War. Are you here to plead for forgiveness, or to make excuses for yourself?"

The hands clasped tightly in the sleeves of the palace, squeezing and tightening again and again.

Take a glance, forget one

To speak frankly, General Tai Tun, with his cold gaze and expressionless face, clad in black armor, is truly a remarkable figure who instills fear across the four nations.

Someone outside gently knocked on the door, and soon a palace servant stepped in, cupping their sleeves, and reported: "Your Majesty, General Di has returned, and it has just passed the imperial street..."

Someone beside him whispered, "Is Master Gu perhaps drunk?"

He raised his head, glanced around at the generals in the tent, pushed the paper on the table to the edge, and said in a low voice: "Proclaim that I draft an edict in front of the army. From now on, if anyone dares to camp at night and indulge in drinking and merriment, he will be a cautionary tale!"

How dare he accuse her of being promiscuous?

Ying Huan approached Di Feng, her hand gently exploring the armor on his body. Raising an eyebrow, her red lips curled slightly: "You have been by my side for twelve years, commanding the troops and understanding my heart... what do you think?"

Three parts captivating, two parts alluring, five parts imposing

Ying Huan fixed his gaze upon him, and after a moment, suddenly smiled, "Enough, I shall not make things difficult for you. Do not put on such an unpleasant expression, as if someone has taken away your military power."

Then she tilted her shoulder again, turned her head to glance at him, and raised an eyebrow with a smile

A small face as white as paper, with only a pair of large eyes that can still captivate a few hearts.

Di Feng bent down to pick up those memorials, his fingers stiff and rigid. He unfolded them and stared at the ink marks on the pages, scanning through them line by line

Ning Mo's body stiffened slightly, a chill seeping from within, and with a faint sigh, he said: "It is different."

The body under the quilt gradually warmed up, and the sound of raindrops splashing on the glazed tiles of the roof outside the house also slowly diminished. It seems that the weather will clear up today

The dragon carpet inside the tent extends all the way to the end, resting against the foot of the seat

He opened his robe and looked at the woman on the ground before him, his eyes slightly narrowed, yet another woman flashed through his mind.

Ying Huan gazed at him, her eyelids fluttering lightly, her red lips trembling slightly, presenting a truly delicate appearance, softly uttering two words: "... ... not enough"

Di Feng's expression softened somewhat as he looked at her smile, and a gentle tremor stirred within his heart

Between the banquet, the palace musicians played and danced, while civil and military officials lined both sides. With wine flowing and food plentiful, there was not a hint of discord between the two nations.

A gentle fragrance wafted through the chamber, accompanied by the soft, melodious laughter of a woman, which drifted out from behind the heavy curtains, stirring a tantalizing itch in the heart

The man lowered his gaze and bowed his head, retracting his hands to rest between his knees, and said slowly, "It is I who have overstepped my bounds."

Ying Huan stood up and slowly walked a few steps in the hall, "Did you see him earlier in front of the troops of Zhu Zhou?"