Marrying a concubine to seduce him and lure him into the game

In the solemn and dignified imperial study of the Qianqing Palace, sunlight shines through the intricately carved window lattices, casting a mottled shadow on the antique wooden floor.

Su Jingchuan, dressed in a dragon robe, was leaning leisurely on a rosewood chair, tapping the tabletop lightly with his slender fingers in a brisk rhythm, his face filled with an unconcealable joy that warmed people's hearts like the warm spring sun.

Following a series of quiet and orderly footsteps, Jiang Dehai respectfully led several young eunuchs carrying exquisite trays into the room. They moved gently, fearing to disturb the tranquility.

Jiang Dehai slightly arched his back, and said in a humble but clear voice: "Your Majesty, the wedding dress has been prepared. Please appreciate it."

As soon as he finished speaking, he personally peeled off the layer of crimson silk covering it, as if opening the prelude to the coming joy.

Under the tray, the phoenix coronet and bridal robe appeared magnificently. Each piece was carefully crafted according to the design drawn by Su Jingchuan himself, inlaid with the most precious gold, silver and gems in the world, shining with a dazzling yet warm glow.

The red color of the wedding dress is both intense and festive, yet gentle and not glaring. Every inch of fabric reveals Su Jingchuan's attention to and careful selection of wedding details.

Facing these two unfolded gorgeous dresses, Su Jingchuan's eyes seemed to reflect the happy scene of him and Yu Yanwan standing side by side on the red carpet, thanking God together.

This deep affection and expectation is rare among the many beauties in the harem. Even Jiang Dehai, who has been in the court for a long time, couldn't help but sigh secretly that the emperor's feelings for Yu Yanwan are much deeper than when he married the previous queen.

Just as the air was filled with visions of a beautiful future, an uninvited guest suddenly arrived. Qiu Changyi rushed in and almost knocked over the trembling tray in the young eunuch's hand.

Although as a confidant, he had the right to meet the emperor directly, the haste of the meeting still made him feel a little uneasy.

"Your Majesty, what's the matter? Why is it so urgent?"

There was a hint of surprise and anxiety in his tone.

Jiang Dehai shrewdly captured the change in atmosphere and immediately ordered his men to carefully pack up all the valuables. He then bowed and left the room, leaving space for the two important ministers to discuss state affairs.

Qiu Changyi knelt on one knee, his face heavy, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the Liang army raided the border last night, and Sizhou City has fallen into the hands of the enemy."

When Su Jingchuan heard this, his eyes widened and he was filled with anger. The threat that he had long foreseen in his heart finally became a reality.

He knew very well that since Su Jingchen's death, Liang State had fewer constraints and would not easily give up the opportunity to expand its territory. However, he did not expect that the other party's speed would be so fast, which caught him off guard.

"I entrust the military power to you. No matter what, you must help me take back Sizhou!"

Su Jingchuan spoke firmly, then pulled out a square jade box inlaid with cloud and dragon patterns from the drawer on his desk and handed it to Qiu Changyi without hesitation.

However, Qiu Changyi looked troubled and worried: "I will... do my best."

Leading troops in battle was an unfamiliar field for him, and he was not a person who was proficient in military tactics. However, facing the emperor's order, how could he refuse?

Su Jingchuan was obviously not satisfied with this answer and frowned.

Seeing this, Qiu Changyi simply knelt on the ground and said frankly: "Your Majesty should know that the Liang people used to have the Regent King and Young Master Ye as a concern. Now that both are gone, Liang has undoubtedly made careful preparations to dare to invade so rampantly. I am deeply worried that my personal ability is not enough to take on such a heavy responsibility."

He then changed the subject and made a firm statement: "But in this time of national crisis, I will obey the emperor's orders and fight till the last moment."

The weakness revealed by Qiu Changyi for the first time made Su Jingchuan deeply feel the severity of the current situation.

After thinking for a moment, he issued a new order: "In this case, you will immediately go to the Duke of Ye's mansion to convey my order. I order the Duke of Ye to be the chief general and you to be the deputy general. Together, we will go to the front line to resist the Liang army."

"Duke Ye fought many battles when he was young and is very experienced. With him in charge, there will be no mistakes."

Su Jingchuan added, his words revealing his trust and reliance on Duke Ye.

However, Qiu Changyi's worry did not ease: "Your Majesty, Duke Ye has just lost his beloved daughter and young son, he is afraid..."

Before Qiu Changyi finished speaking, Su Jingchuan seemed a little unhappy and interrupted him with a wave of his hand: "No need to say more, Duke Ye naturally knows the priorities."

On the other side, in the dim morning light, the Kunning Palace was bustling with people and extremely busy.

Palace maids and eunuchs shuttled back and forth, arranging various flowers and cleaning every corner.

In the center of the courtyard, Xiancao was holding a robe in her hand, directing the servants to adjust the arrangements and giving guidance from time to time. It was a busy and orderly scene.

Inside the pavilion, Shu Rao leaned lazily on the soft mattress, her eyes casually sweeping over the young eunuch who was wiping the steps carefully.

Her plan finally paid off, and now she no longer needs to be as cautious and fawning as before.

On this lofty throne of queen, love or hate no longer matters.

As long as I can sit firmly on this honorable throne second only to the emperor, my life will be without regrets.

Thinking of this, Shu Rao raised the corners of her lips slightly, took the teacup handed over by Xiao Linzi, took a sip of the tea, and praised: "Today's tea is particularly fragrant."

Xiao Linzi bowed his head humbly and replied in a low voice: "The tea is the same as usual. Perhaps the Queen is in a good mood, so even the tea seems extra sweet."

Shu Rao glanced sideways at Xiao Linzi's flattering look and secretly felt lucky.

It was because of his revelation that the previous conspiracy of Ruan Qionghua and Ran Jingzhao failed, and Su Jingchuan did not pursue the guilt of the two too much.

But in the deep and complex harem, knowing secrets is like holding a sharp blade in your hand, which can protect you or hurt you. The more you know, the more likely it is that the shadow called "death" is approaching quietly.

There were thousands of words hidden in Su Jingchuan's eyes, and a subtle gesture was enough. In order to maintain the indestructible glory of Queen Ruan Qionghua, Xiao Linzi's fate seemed to have been bound by a cold decision.

In the past two days, when night fell and the palace lanterns were lit, her mood flickered like the candlelight.

It would be a waste to simply deal with Xiao Linzi, a eunuch who was extremely smart and skilled in martial arts.

After thinking for a long time, she decided to let this dying life light up one last ray of light for her.

"Xiao Linzi, deep down in your heart, how do you evaluate my attitude towards you?"

Her voice was gentle and deep, as if she was trying to find a trace of warmth in this deep palace.

Xiao Linzi lowered his eyes, revealing a barely perceptible sadness in his respect, "Empress, I will never forget your great kindness. On that day, you personally protected a humble servant like me and pleaded with the Emperor, which enabled me to survive until now. Your grace of rebirth is higher than the sky and deeper than the sea."

"Hey!"