Chapter 1, The Emperor's Trust
Su Changqing had three sons, and the one who gave him the most trouble was his youngest son, Su Wen
He smiled and said, "I have come to see you today to discuss a marriage proposal."
At this moment, Emperor Zhou is in high spirits
Emperor Zhou lay on the couch and, upon seeing Su Changqing enter, waved his hand and said with a smile: "Changqing, come here quickly, I have important matters to discuss with you"
This person is not afraid of being bullied by Su Wen; it is already commendable that they do not bully Su Wen.
Before ascending to the throne, Emperor Zhou and Su Changqing had already established a deep friendship
Su Changqing said: "Your Majesty, it is indeed somewhat lacking, but I do not wish to impose too much on him. Everyone has their own fate. What he chooses to do in the future is his own business. After a few years, I will allocate some wealth to him, help him find a wife, and enable him to establish an independent family. To be honest with Your Majesty, I have accumulated quite a bit of personal wealth in recent years. As long as he does not act recklessly, living a stable life will be more than sufficient for him"
At this time, when people talk about this female general, they inevitably mention her ruthless and merciless nature
Su Changqing was taken aback and hesitantly said, "I wonder which young lady it is? My child is certainly not a suitable match."
Su Changqing finally understood why Emperor Zhou would choose his own son
Capture the Panshi stronghold of the Yan State
Emperor Zhou smiled and said, "I have heard that the child is quite absurd, far inferior to Su Cheng and Su Yu."
Cough cough cough
Emperor Zhou walked over to Su Changqing, patted him on the shoulder, and sighed: "Changqing, among all the civil and military officials, I trust you the most, and I have the utmost faith in you. If Yan Ze were to form a marriage alliance with someone else, I would still be quite uneasy!"
As for the assassin, I have yet to encounter one.
At that time, Emperor Zhou was merely an overlooked prince, and Su Changqing was just a down-and-out scholar
If I am to expand, Yan Ze is an extremely important card in my hand! However, Yan Ze is different from you; I do not trust him as I do you!
Without mentioning anything else, Yan Ze, as a governor stationed at the border, is indeed a substantial regional official, holding military power in his hands. As for himself, he wields significant influence over the court and the people. If the two families were to unite through marriage, it would undoubtedly create an overwhelming force.
Yan Luoying eliminated 400,000 enemy troops, among whom were not a few subjects of the State of Yan
He stood up, the stature of Emperor Zhou was tall, and his expression was stern
Even if it is just a small concubine.
Su Changqing has countless enemies, and it is inevitable that he will face retaliation
Everything was in order, and Su Wen playfully pinched Ning Shuang's nose, saying: "You, being so virtuous, will surely take good care of the household in the future."
Over the years, Su Wen has long since become accustomed to the days filled with frost around her.
Only trust
He can also understand that the incident of this woman causing the massacre of four hundred thousand soldiers and civilians of the Yan State is already shocking
The frost blushed with embarrassment
Third Young Master, hurry up, didn't you make an appointment with the Prince Gong's heir to go to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion for drinks? The time is almost upon us
A middle-aged man emerged from the backyard
This statement is domineering
And Su Wen had long made a promise that in the future, there would surely be a position for Ning Shuang in the residence
He is dressed in a blue shirt, exuding a certain scholarly elegance, with a three-inch short beard on his chin, which adds a touch of authority to his demeanor
Several experts have been arranged around the sons to prevent any unforeseen incidents
It can be said that the relationship between these two individuals far exceeds that of ordinary sovereign and subject, which is also a significant reason for Su Changqing's considerable influence in the court and among the people
His reputation is not good, yet at this moment he does not even shy away from Emperor Zhou
Trust
In the Prime Minister's residence, the maid Ning Shuang, dressed in a blue outfit, arrived at Su Wen's room door
Su Cheng and Su Yu are the eldest and second sons of Su Changqing, making them the two older brothers of Su Wen
Even many literati of the Great Zhou criticized Yan Luoying's actions with anger, casting a shadow over the originally festive capital of the Zhou state
Ning Shuang saw that Su Wen was unwilling to get up, and after a few words of comfort, Su Wen was roused by her. With no other choice, he had to rise.
Let alone the son of a prince
As the foremost minister of the Great Zhou, his ability to amass wealth and power is beyond question, with his influence permeating both the court and the common people, and his followers spread throughout.
It is not a festival, but rather news from the frontier. In the great war against the Yan State, General Yan Ze of Wuwei suddenly fell ill. His daughter, Yan Luoying, took her father's place and led an army of 150,000, achieving a decisive victory over the enemy forces of the Yan State
Mistress Ning said softly, "Third Young Master, please get up quickly. We agreed that if we are late, it would be rather impolite."
As soon as Su Wengang finished speaking, he heard a series of coughs coming from nearby
Upon hearing this name, Su Changqing felt a tightening in his heart
It is Su Changqing, who at the moment cannot recall the reason behind it.
"Uncle He, shall we go?" Su Wen said with a smile
But why is it her
Su Wenzi, due to his father's high status, holds a position in the great Zhou Dynasty that even princes must show him a measure of respect
The two individuals started from humble beginnings, and with the ascension of Emperor Zhou, the strategies of Su Changqing were indispensable
Emperor Zhou was very pleased with Su Changqing's statement
"Su Wen, where are you going?" Su Changqing asked in a solemn voice
In the early morning, within the imperial capital of the Great Zhou, dark clouds gathered and heavy snow fell, marking the first snowfall since the onset of winter
The news of the resounding victory has returned, and everyone is filled with excitement!
Ning Shuang, who is sweet in appearance, is the same age as Su Wen and has been responsible for serving Su Wen since childhood
Emperor Zhou discerned his inner hesitation and understood that if he did not provide an explanation, this fellow might find a way to decline.
Such ruthless measures have completely shocked the world
Su Wen disdainfully said: "If I am rude, then so be it. The Prince Gong is merely a powerless prince. Even if I am impolite, Zhao Rui must endure it."
However, for Su Wen, He Ping'an is the best enforcer, having repeatedly engaged in conflicts and always defeating his opponents.
Or rather, this is actually his intention
Upon hearing Emperor Zhou speak of Su Wen, Su Changqing's thoughts raced urgently
In the imperial court, the intentions of the emperor are the most difficult to discern
Ning Shuang softly calls at the door
Ning Shuang attended to Su Wen as she dressed and washed up, with meticulous care and attention to every detail
Emperor Zhou fixed his gaze on Su Changqing's face and softly said: "Yan Luoying!"
Within the palace, Su Changqing arrived at the Chengxin Hall
This woman is only twenty years old this year, yet she has already achieved remarkable accomplishments. Who will be able to subdue her ten years from now? Moreover, a woman's thoughts are often mysterious and difficult to fathom. She has only Yan Ze as her relative, which leads me to consider having Su Wen marry her, confining her in the imperial capital, dulling her sharpness, and tempering her will. Once she bears offspring, it will also create more ties and concerns for her, which can be utilized in the future, allowing for greater peace of mind. As for Yan Ze, if he harbors any ulterior motives, he will also have to bear more considerations.
Emperor Zhou expressed his thoughts, looking at Su Changqing, only to find that he remained silent
Su Weng clasped his hands and smiled, saying: "Father, today the Second Prince has come forward to mediate the matter between me and Zhao Rui. I am prepared to attend the meeting."
Su Wenben is not a person of this world, but has crossed over from another realm
His power is overwhelming, one could say he is beneath no one and above all. In matters of great importance in the court, his presence is always felt.
He Ping'an saw Su Wen, bowed respectfully, and smiled, saying: "Third Young Master, our master is indeed formidable. That Zhao Rui is the son of Prince Gong, and this time he has suffered a great loss; he will have to find someone to apologize to you."
Su Changqing is greedy, and many people are aware of this matter
Su Wen is a person with high emotional intelligence. Although he often acts domineering in public and engages in absurd behaviors, he has never put on airs with those close to him
The two individuals instead found themselves in conflict, as Su Wen ordered his guards to beat Zhao Rui. What was the outcome? Zhao Rui still invited Su Wen for drinks and even brought in the second prince of the Great Zhou to mediate the matter
The Emperor Zhou's eyes flashed with brilliance as he smiled and said, "That child Su Wen is eighteen this year, isn't he?"
However, Su Wen knew that he was an expert
This week, the country is still too small
Su Wen smiled faintly, not taking it to heart, and said: "Thank you for your teachings, Father. I shall take my leave now"
He Ping'an is the bodyguard assigned to Su Wen by Su Changqing
Su Wen is merely a dandy, why would Emperor Zhou suddenly inquire about him
Only the air conditioning enters the room, so let him tuck the blanket in a bit tighter
Su Changqing arrived before Emperor Zhou's throne, bowing respectfully. He always managed to maintain his proper position, never becoming arrogant due to favoritism, which is also a testament to his wisdom
However, there are reasons for nature's dominance
Since childhood, I have not been fond of studying literature or practicing martial arts. It is worth noting that Su Changqing's eldest son won the title of martial arts champion five years ago, while his second son secured the title of literary champion two years ago. With Su Changqing's support, both have already embarked on their official careers and appear to have a bright future ahead.
But the question is, why did Emperor Zhou propose this opinion
There is no way around it; everyone knows that Su Changqing started from humble beginnings, is extremely protective of his own, employs ruthless tactics, eliminates dissenters, and never shows mercy
Su Wen proudly said: "Of course, Uncle He, you should know what kind of person my father is. He is the most notorious traitor of the Great Zhou. What Prince Gong? If my father wanted to bring him down, it would be a piece of cake"
Having spoken, he led He Ping'an away from the Prime Minister's residence
It is Su Wen's father, Su Changqing, the foremost power holder of the Great Zhou dynasty
Ning Shuang pushed open the door and walked in, only to see Su Wen burying his head in the blanket, showing no intention of getting up.
However, Su Wen and Zhao Rui are not particularly close.
He continued, "Yan Ze is a proud and unyielding person, who has long been stationed at the border and enjoys a high reputation in the army, holding military power. If it were not for his lack of offspring, I would have been restless long ago. However, it seems that Yan Ze's daughter, Yan Luoying, is also remarkable. Her actions are ruthless, and her ability to lead troops is exceptional. I must be on guard against her."
Ning Shuang quickly closed the door, walked to the bedside, and gently pulled back the quilt. In her view, she saw a delicate-looking young man, it was Su Wen, with a pitiful expression on his face, saying: "Ning Shuang, let me sleep a little longer"
The emperor grants a marriage, which is unlike any other; in the future, if the woman suffers any grievances, it is likely that the emperor will intervene
Su Changqing nodded and advised: "When you go, do not be overbearing. The Second Prince is, after all, a prince of the current dynasty. Although the Crown Prince has been established, no one can predict the future. It is better to be courteous towards the Second Prince. Also, avoid unnecessary troubles and learn more from your elder brother and second brother. Acquiring skills is the right path."
He said in a deep voice: "Changqing, you and I have known each other for several decades; you should be aware of my ambitions!"
Having been together for many years, their relationship is profound. For Ning Shuang, marrying Su Wen in the future is the best outcome and also the one she desires the most
However, today, a new message has been relayed back to the capital city!
His father is Su Changqing, the current Prime Minister of the Great Zhou.
Your Majesty, what matters do you summon me for? Su Changqing inquired
He clasped his hands and said, "Indeed."
A middle-aged man had long been waiting there, his expression stern, with a worn sword hanging at his waist, at least judging by the scabbard.
In the capital city, the long street is adorned with lanterns and decorations
There is no sound in the room
Only Su Wen, apart from training eagles and fighting dogs every day, has no other notable skills besides mingling with some young rascals in the city
Gently kissing Ning Shuang, Su Wen arrived at the outer residence
May I ask how many people would dare to bring such a woman home without restraint
Su Changqing had to consider it, as her identity was too special
Coinciding with the heavy snowfall, many people have even associated it with the actions of Yan Luoying