One
I will soon turn sixteen, and sixteen is the most beautiful time of my life. At sixteen, Bai Lingbo... no noblewoman can compare to Bai Lingbo at sixteen. The Grand Princess held Ning Qing's hand and moved it across her cheek, gently kissing his palm, as if murmuring in a dream, "Ning Qing, as I look at myself in the mirror, I no longer doubt the power of Mr. Bi Cheng. To reverse time is a magic only a divine messenger possesses! Within the Nine Provinces, who can resist the will of the divine?"
The jade vase fell to the ground with a loud "bang," shattering into pieces, the rich green jade reduced to white powder under the anger of the Princess. The official from the Lantai was so shocked that he trembled all over, repeatedly bowing his head. He knew that the Princess would most likely be dissatisfied with this verdict; he had already thought of a few responses before coming, but under the authority of this woman, he found himself unable to utter a single word. He had once held this woman's naked body under the brocade quilt, and had been fed soup by her while she laughed playfully, yet he could sense the ferocity of a she-wolf within her. Whenever she was enraged, he understood that the favors from their intimate moments would be instantly withdrawn, leaving no room for defiance.
As the General of the Imperial Guard, Bai Yi has not entered the Tianqi court for ten years. To him, the royal family is merely a symbol; it is the State of Chu and Wei to which he owes his loyalty. If the royal family wishes to subdue the feudal lords, the first step is to distance themselves from the state, and the second is to target Chu and Wei. The annexation of Chu and Wei's territory into the royal domain is undoubtedly something Bai Yi does not wish to see. Moreover, Xi Yan is currently the leader of the Eastern Land's Tianqu. Since the Fengyan Dynasty, the Tianqu has been nearly exterminated, all under the royal family's directive. Does the Grand Princess think he can harbor no hatred for the royal family? Both Bai Yi and Xi Yan are warriors; if the revival of the royal family threatens their own existence, they will become ruthless marauders!
In the realm of chess, Master Ning Qing can be regarded as a national champion of the Great Yin dynasty. As the military advisor to the Grand Princess, there is no chance of victory for Lei Bicheng. He bowed respectfully and then raised his eyes to look at Ning Qing, saying, "Currently, there are no fewer than seventy pieces on the board. A blind person, yet able to remember the position of each piece and make judgments so swiftly, if I had not witnessed it with my own eyes, I would never have dared to imagine it"
"The royal family?" The princess said with a shiver, "I know that Bai Yi and Xi Yan have long harbored treasonous intentions, wanting to use military power to grow strong among the vassal states. But do they really dare to direct their spearheads at the royal family? Are they not afraid of death?"
"Ninety percent," Lei Bicheng replied, "According to the latest intelligence, during the first engagement at the foot of Beidu City, the Qingyang troops suffered a great defeat, and even the top general Mu Li was killed in battle. Aside from Mu Li, there is no one left in Qingyang who can withstand the wolf cavalry of Shuo Bei. Meanwhile, the progress on the side of the Yu tribe is also quite smooth."
Only after the sound of the armored footsteps faded into the distance did Ning Qing turn to face the Princess, lowering her voice, "Your Highness, Ning Qing has something to say, but I am unsure whether I should speak it out."
Ning Qing bowed and, with her large sleeves gathered, pondered for a moment. "It seems that Mr. Bi Cheng's intention is to sever the Sixteenth Son of the Long Princess with the 'Goose Cut' strategy, which is quite fierce. However, being overly fierce can lead to flaws. Considering the Long Princess, it would be wise to make a move to the left, as this would require Mr. Bi Cheng to take at least two additional steps to escape the 'Goose Cut' situation. From the perspective of the board, Mr. Bi Cheng would not expend those two steps to sever the Long Princess's Sixteenth Son."
The sensation transmitted through the fingers felt as if one were touching jade, as if one were touching silk; however, jade is not as warm, and silk does not possess such elasticity. The skin on that face seemed to have a magnetic force, making one reluctant to let go, as if one were touching some treasure of the world.
The princess also embraced his head, pressing it against her heart, gently stroking his hair, "Silly child, why are you not speaking? I will not abandon you; soon I will become sixteen years old. At sixteen, I will be Bai Lingbo, the most beautiful woman in the Nine Provinces. Standing together with you, we will look like a pair of celestial beings about to ascend. I will ask Mr. Bi Cheng to cure your eyes, and when you see me then, you will surely be delighted."
According to the statements of the censors, the barbarian prince was able to escape from the city of Nanhua primarily because a Qingying Guard under General Xi raided the execution ground, allowing the barbarian cavalry to infiltrate Nanhua for support. General Xi's supervision of his subordinates was lax, warranting severe punishment, and he is also the teacher of the barbarian prince, having taught him improperly, which is also a charge against him. However, the records do not indicate any suspicion of General Xi colluding with the barbarians, nor can he be accused of treason. The defense of Nanhua was not under General Xi's responsibility, so the infiltration by the barbarian cavalry cannot be blamed on him. Considering General Xi's past contributions in defending the royal family at Shangyang Pass and his years of unwavering loyalty to the imperial family, it is appropriate to exercise discretion in determining his punishment. The censors' intention is to strip him of his titles and official positions, and to confine him in Nanhua for reformation...
The student understood! The black-clad servant turned to leave.
It is absolutely true that the information was sent out by my student who was embedded within the National Army. Not only does Xi Yan not wish to kill Ying Wuyi, but Bai Yi is also hesitating. This is because they are both warriors serving under the feudal lords and cannot openly confront the Grand Princess, who holds the power of the royal family. However, Ying Wuyi, a lion from the southern barbarians, is the Grand Princess's greatest enemy; as long as Ying Wuyi is alive, it will be difficult for the Grand Princess to realize her grand plan of subjugating the feudal lords. Lei Bicheng spoke with profound meaning, "In the eyes of Bai Yi and Xi Yan, the greatest enemy is none other than the royal family itself!"
Moreover, even so, you may still have to confront the people lying in ambush in Nanhuaicheng, but you have followed me for twelve years, and a few Heavenly Drivers are nothing you cannot handle; just be extremely careful. Lei Bicheng said behind him, "Avenge your brother, and do not hold back."
The princess cast him a faint glance, slightly annoyed. This person is the current emperor's personal secretary, holding the position of Lantai Ling, a minister of relatively low rank in the capital, yet someone whom many must curry favor with. Five years ago, it was she who recommended this young man to the current emperor, but his performance by the emperor's side has truly disappointed her. When he was sixteen, she doted on him; his writing and appearance were both charming and captivating, making him a dream figure among the elite young ladies of the capital. However, now that he has truly become a royal minister, he has instead lost his brilliance, turning into a somewhat foolish person with only a semblance of good looks. Compared to the person behind her, Ning Qing, he is as different as heaven and earth.
The princess pondered for a long time and nodded solemnly, "Mr. Bi Cheng's words awaken those lost in a dream! In that case, we must ensure that the traitor Xi Yan does not survive this ordeal!"
Before he could finish speaking, Lei Bicheng had already thrown a dark-colored jade chess piece into the wooden box, signifying his concession
At the moment he stood up, a figure in black from a corner of the palace also rose to his feet. He had been half-kneeling there, leaning on a long sword, without moving a single inch or making even the slightest sound. When Lantai Ling entered the palace, he was completely unaware that there was such a person hidden in the shadows of the corner; from a distance, it appeared to be nothing more than a kneeling warrior statue.
The Princess, dressed in plain gauze, sat barefoot on the couch, holding a brocade cushion, playing chess with Lei Bicheng. On a winter day after the snow, the Princess seemed to be in excellent spirits, laughing softly with each move, her light laughter rippling through the palace like gentle waves, captivating the heart. In contrast, Lei Bicheng sat upright, deep in thought, seemingly oblivious to everything around him.
One cannot afford to wait, nor underestimate the forces lurking in Tianqi City. Once the Yushitai issues the sentencing document, they will immediately be aware and will spare no effort to prepare a rescue for Xi Yan. Even if the imperial envoy arrives in Nanhua with the sentencing document at full speed, the situation may have completely changed by then. Therefore, after you execute Xi Yan with a false sentencing document, the genuine sentencing document will arrive, with a difference of three to five days between them.
The Princess is wise and should employ the most decisive measures to have the Censorate immediately convict and execute, without waiting for spring. Lei Bicheng's voice was cold and stern, "Xi Yan is a terrifying fox; every additional day he lives poses an increased danger!"
"As per Mr. Bi Cheng's wishes!" The Princess nodded, "Ning Qing, you will go to the Censorate by yourself this afternoon. Within three days, send the conviction documents to Nanhuaicheng, and order Bai Li Jinghong to execute it immediately! If Xi Yan is not dead within ten days... the censors should be aware of the consequences!"
Is it not necessary to wait for the reply from Young Master Ningqing? the black-clad servant asked
Ning Qing merely smiled, allowing her to softly pound away.
Lei Bicheng pondered slightly and returned the greeting to Ning Qing, saying, "Young Master Ning, your words carry great depth and are truly admirable"
In the "Four Volumes of Military Arts" by the Yunzhong Ye family, the chapter "Gaining Victory" states, 'To kill, the general relies on strategy, the middle general on tactics, and the lower general on battle.' Employing people is the greatest strategy, it is the art of power, and it is the act of those in authority. The Grand Princess's ability to utilize a talent like Lord Ning Qing, who is unparalleled in this world, demonstrates her exceptional strategy. Our victory is also achieved through the Grand Princess's political acumen.
Did Xi Yan not have secret dealings with the barbarians? Then, was it merely a coincidence that when the barbarians raided the execution ground, Xi Yan, in a fit of whimsy, issued an order that had the stationed troops in the city stand idly in the southern fields for an entire day? Was it also just a coincidence that on that same day, Xi Yan, in a fit of whimsy, decided to burn all his documents? Did Xi Yan not conspire against the state? Did the leader of the Tianqu Sect, Wan Lei Zhi Ying, not conspire against the state?" The princess laughed in fury, "What do you think the Tianqu Warriors' Corps is? Is it a private organization where you all pool money together to drink and hire women?
"Yes, you are absolutely right." The Princess was not surprised at all, "Ning Qing, you never truly believed in Mr. Bi Cheng, did you?"
"Then the Great Yin will soon face internal and external troubles," the Princess said with a slight nod. "Good, very good! The soldiers from foreign tribes will let those arrogant lords taste the bitterness of being besieged. They must understand one thing: when war truly breaks out in the Eastern Continent, only our Bai royal family can defeat the foreign enemies and defend our territory"
This time it was not fear of the Grand Princess; he had already grown accustomed to this woman's coldness and temper. However, at the moment Lei Bicheng slowly opened her eyes, he was so shocked that he could not breathe. In Lei Bicheng's indifferent gaze, it seemed as if a chilling ghost had plunged into the body of Lan Tai Ling.
The 40,000 powerful crossbows are ready to be fired at any moment! Lei Bicheng said, "The only one in the Eastern Continent who can defeat the barbarian iron cavalry and the feathered archers is the Long Princess."
Return and deliver a message to the esteemed censors. In the past, when Ying Wuyi occupied Tianqi, in order to protect themselves, they allied with Ying Wuyi, and the Princess Chang showed them favor, so they would not be held accountable. The leverage they had against Ying Wuyi has long been forgotten as time has passed. However, now that the Princess Chang is assisting His Majesty in governing Tianqi City, if the esteemed censors still think of remaining loyal to Ying Wuyi, that would be a capital offense. " Lei Bicheng said lightly, waving her hand, "I urge the esteemed censors to review the records of Xi Yan once more and reflect on it carefully. " But now that the Princess Chang is assisting His Majesty in governing Tianqi City, if the esteemed censors still think of remaining loyal to Ying Wuyi, that would be a capital offense. " Lei Bicheng said lightly, waving her hand, "I urge the esteemed censors to review the records of Xi Yan once more and reflect on it carefully.
What are these fools at the Censorate thinking? If we do not eliminate this threat once and for all, there will come a day when this fox will return to the mountains! The princess glanced at him and slightly lowered her voice
He turned and walked straight out of the palace gate, with a black-clad attendant following closely behind, the iron armor beneath the black clothing clinking with each step
Then, Lei Bicheng took his leave, Your Majesty has another audience this afternoon, I will come again tomorrow to pay my respects to the Princess.
Ning Qing respectfully returned the greeting, "That is because Mr. Bi Cheng has eyes like torches, and he must rely on those eyes, so there is no need for mental calculation in his studies. As for me, Ning Qing, I was born blind; for a blind person, everything in the mind is all there is in the world. When I learned chess from my father, I relied on memorizing the board. Therefore, what seems difficult to Mr. Bi Cheng in memorizing the board is, for me, as simple as having seen it with my own eyes."
In the vast palace, a man and a woman embraced, remaining silent for a long time. The sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the face of the princess, which was as pure as jade and as soft as that of a baby, almost transparent, allowing the gentle blush beneath her skin to be clearly seen. She smiled, no longer bearing the ferocity of an old woman, but rather the smile of a twenty-year-old woman filled with longing and dreams. Her eyes were clear, as if ripples were spreading across an autumn lake.
"Has such a thing ever happened?" The princess was taken aback
The princess was momentarily taken aback, then covered her mouth and laughed. While laughing, she playfully leaned against Ning Qing, playfully hitting his shoulder, "Ning Qing, you say Mr. Bi Cheng is so eloquent. One of you is a messenger of the gods, and the other is an extraordinary talent, managing everything so well. It seems that I should take credit for it. I have benefited from your great achievements; shouldn't I be overjoyed?"
The actions of the princess suddenly came to a halt. She paused for a moment, her gaze shifting as she looked at Ning Qing's face, her voice wavering, "But I suddenly became worried, such an extraordinary talent as you, will there come a day when you walk away from me and never return?"
The Princess commanded! Ning Qing respectfully bowed.
He is caressing the face of the princess at the age of twenty! Time seems to have flowed backward
According to Mr. Bicheng's plan, the Barbarian and Feather tribes will respectively advance into Chunguo and Jinbeiguo. When the military forces of both countries are unable to withstand the attack, we will dispatch the Jinwu Guard and the Feather Forest Heavenly Army for support, seizing the opportunity to capture both countries and incorporate the territories of the feudal lords into the royal domain. However, this is predicated on the fact that the military strength of Chunguo and Jinbeiguo, combined with the royal family's twenty thousand light cavalry and forty thousand heavy crossbowmen, can indeed defeat the invading enemy. Otherwise, we will face total defeat, and the Barbarian cavalry and Feather archers will continue to advance to the gates of Tianqi City. At this moment, we have no way to retreat. " Ning Qing paused, " The royal domain will become a place ravaged by foreign invaders... The Great Yin will... perish! "
Lei Bicheng stopped suddenly in front of the main gate of Gui Palace, turned to look at the black-clad attendant, "You will set off for Nanhuai immediately. I will send you a decree of conviction co-signed by the Seven Censors via carrier pigeon. Once you receive this document, go directly to find Baili Jinghong, and personally execute Xi Yan. The time is set for the night four days from now, without any delay."
She found it inappropriate to express anger towards this Lan Tai Ling, as she had initially sent him to the emperor because of Ning Qing. She was concerned that the inner palace could not accommodate two handsome men, so she sought an excuse to expel one of them. However, this Lan Tai Ling was quite oblivious; after being away for five years, he still entered the inner palace without notifying anyone, as if he still regarded this bed as his place of residence
Lan Tai Ling saw Lei Bi Cheng wave him off, as if a death row inmate had been granted a reprieve. He hurriedly bid farewell to the Princess, almost rolling and crawling out of the Gui Palace. It was not until he stood under the sunlight outside the palace walls that he shuddered violently, cold sweat pouring from his pores, soaking his inner garments.
"Ning Qing, Mr. Bi Cheng has made a move above the piece I just placed. How do you think I should respond?" The princess asked with a light laugh, savoring the camphor wood tea produced in Ningzhou.
Ning Qing walked slowly forward, leaning close to the Princess's ear, "Your Highness need not be angry. It is likely that Xi Yan has indeed concealed himself very well; on the surface, he does not appear to be a rebel against Tianqu. He has also burned all the documents and letters, so we cannot find much evidence. The censors are probably being cautious, unwilling to impose a heavy sentence, aren't they?"
The Grand Princess, the Censors have stated that after reviewing the case files of Xi Yan, they have already formed an opinion. The seven Censors share the same view and would like to know the Grand Princess's thoughts.
Ning Qing pondered for a moment, "Ning Qing cannot trust someone she does not understand"
"Speak up, what is there that cannot be said? As long as you behave, I will enjoy hearing whatever you say." The princess gently patted his head
On the 10th day of the 12th month in the 5th year of the reign of Emperor Yincheng, in the city of Tianqi, at the Gui Palace
I dare not, I am flattered by Mr. Cheng Bicheng's praise. " Ning Qing returned the gesture once again
Ning Qing stood respectfully behind the princess, sometimes eagerly approaching to massage her shoulders and back, and at other times taking the hot tea from the maid's hands, blowing on it until it was at the perfect temperature before handing it over. The princess then gently caressed his soft, jade-like face.
She slightly turned her head to glance at Ning Qing, who stood silently with her hands gathered in her large sleeves, bowing respectfully. Her pair of light, seemingly misty eyes quietly gazed ahead, carrying a hint of a faint smile
Damn it! The Grand Princess lost her patience and could no longer listen. She stood up, grabbed a jade snuff bottle from the table, and smashed it fiercely towards the Minister of the Archives.
Ning Qing nodded, sitting beside her and tightly embracing her shoulders
Ning Qing was taken aback for a moment. He suddenly remembered that it had been a long time since the Princess had summoned him to share her bed, and he had not had many opportunities to touch the Princess's skin. He understood that this woman, in the prime of her youth, would not go so long without summoning a man to her side unless she had found a new love. He realized that something extraordinary was happening and slowly extended his hand. The Princess took his hand and gently pressed it against her cheek. He realized that something extraordinary was happening and slowly extended his hand. The Princess took his hand and gently pressed it against her cheek.
Ning Qing was taken aback, her expression slightly changed. Just as she was about to say something, the princess had already leaned slightly forward towards Lei Bicheng, asking, "Mr. Bicheng, how confident are you in our victory?"
Enemies and allies are always in a state of flux. For instance, I was once a subordinate of Ying Wuyi, yet now I can seek Ying Wuyi's head for the Princess Chang. Moreover, from beginning to end, Xi Yan has never truly regarded Ying Wuyi as his enemy. If it were not for Xi Yan's intervention, Bai Yi might have been able to shoot Ying Wuyi dead before the Shangyang Pass.
The princess let out a series of silver bell-like laughs, and with the cushion in her hand, she tapped the heads of the two bowing individuals once each. "Seeing you both bowing, one after the other, it seems never-ending, truly amusing. But do not forget that I won this round; Ning Qing is merely a strategist."
At this moment, a young official in white, with his hands clasped in his sleeves, walked quickly with his head lowered. As soon as he entered the princess's chamber, he knelt down at the door to pay his respects, not daring to raise his head throughout the entire process.
Indeed, I also wish to know why Mr. Bi Cheng has come and what he is thinking. But I do not know; perhaps there are such beings, half-divine and half-human, that it is impossible for a mortal to fathom their hearts with mere worldly wisdom, as that would transgress the highest propriety between heaven and earth. The Princess sighed softly, "But I believe in him. For someone like him, worldly wealth and power hold no place in his heart; he represents the will of the divine and cannot be defied. Ning Qing, you do not know what has happened to me these days; if you could see, you would surely be happy for me. Come here, come and touch my face."
"Mr. Bi Cheng has lost to me, so what reward do you have to offer?" The princess laughed
In the palace, Lei Bicheng said, "The princess need not be angry; the censors are not foolish. They understand the princess's intentions, but there are others threatening them. Ying Wuyi has a subordinate, Xie Xuan, who is the foremost figure in 'The Three Iron Horses of the Departed Nation' and is quite adept in political maneuvering. When Ying Wuyi occupied Tianqi, he took the initiative to bribe many of the empire's nobles and also gathered evidence of their misconduct to hold as leverage. The unanimous opinion of the seven censors this time is indeed rare; if I am not mistaken, it is the result of Xie Xuan's private coercion."
"A person wealthy enough to encompass the four seas can only have the world as her adornment, right?" Lei Bicheng also smiled
Congratulations to the eldest princess ... ... Congratulations to the eldest princess!" Ning Qing's voice trembled slightly
Oh? The censors are becoming quite nimble, aren't they?" The Grand Princess chuckled lazily, "Do tell, how do these old scholars intend to judge Xi Yan's crime?
The Grand Princess pondered for a moment, "Ying Wuyi wants to save Xi Yan? Why does Ying Wuyi want to save Xi Yan? They are mortal enemies"
This cannot be the face of the princess, that face full of wrinkles and dry skin. Over the years, after each night spent together, he would always take a cloth soaked in the juice extracted from fruits and vegetables to gently wipe the princess's face. But she has aged; a forty-year-old woman can never return to the skin of a twenty-year-old. Decades of heavy makeup and the erosion of time itself have carved indelible lines on her face, much like weathered stone. Yet the contours of that face, along with that familiar aura, are undoubtedly those of the princess herself. But she has aged; a forty-year-old woman can never return to the skin of a twenty-year-old. Decades of heavy makeup and the erosion of time itself have carved indelible lines on her face, much like weathered stone. Yet the contours of that face, along with that familiar aura, are undoubtedly those of the princess herself
Since she found this child named Ning Qing, she suddenly felt that all other men in the world had become tainted. Only this child, whether he was being submissive or when he was assertive, made her genuinely fond of him from the bottom of her heart. Even when she watched him sitting quietly by the snow-covered window, his eyes, which could not see anything, silently facing the snow and wind coming in from outside, she felt that this big child, who could hardly be called a man, was made of jade for bones and ice and snow for skin, with a wisp of condensed sandalwood smoke as his soul.