The princess is killing like crazy again

Xiao Yurong followed Dugu Ying into the city gate back to the court.

Dugu Ying had made all the preparations, but these preparations seemed a little inappropriate.

This independent courtyard is quiet and gorgeous, with silks, satins, gold, silver and jewelry, as if all the good things there are have been piled here.

Judging from the situation, if you don’t know, you would think that Xiao Yurong is going to live here for a long time.

Xiao Yurong looked at everything in front of him in silence.

"Do you like these? If you don't, I'll ask them to prepare them again." Dugu Ying said.

"I don't plan to live here, so what's the point of preparing all this?" Xiao Yurong shook his head.

Dugu Ying rubbed his fingertips, tilted his head, and curled the corners of his lips, "Indeed, you won't stay here."

He continued, "This is close to the north, it's too cold, you like the south."

"Do you prefer Yujing or Nanzhou?" Dugu Ying seemed to be smiling, with a slight curve at the corners of his eyes and lips, but it was still chilling.

"Dugu Ying." Xiao Yurong looked at him expressionlessly, "I came here to have a good talk with you. If you didn't mean to, you shouldn't have called me here."

Dugu Ying paused, turned around and said to the attendants behind him: "Everyone go down."

Everyone left, leaving only Xiao Yurong and Dugu Ying.

"You haven't written to me for a long time." Dugu Ying said softly.

"Should I go back?" Xiao Yurong asked.

Dugu Ying had just sat down and looked up when he heard the voice.

But Xiao Yurong was seen standing under the curtain, her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her face was like peach blossoms, her skin was as white as jade, and she was beautiful in every way.

The embroidered silk clothes shine in late spring, with golden peacocks and silver unicorns.

She is still the same prosperous age.

But the prosperous era seemed to be crumbling.

All the secret reports that were submitted to him told him that Xiao Yurong's illness had never been cured and that he was getting weaker and weaker.

"Shall I ask a witch doctor from the North to take a look at you?" Dugu Ying said.

Xiao Yurong laughed and said, "It won't get better. It won't get better since I was born."

Dugu Ying stood up and pulled her to sit down, "We have to give it a try."

"Aren't you talking about the letter?" Xiao Yurong looked away. "I'm actually very happy to receive your letter. It's also very interesting to teach you Chu Le's writing and poems."

"Really?" Dugu Ying looked at her seriously, "Are you really happy to receive my letter? They all said that my writing to you would disturb you, and that I would ask too many questions and you would be unhappy."

"It's true." Xiao Yurong said.

Dugu Ying was serious to the point of being a little stubborn, "What will happen after that? Will you still write to me? Will you still answer my questions?"

"Dugu Ying...or should I say...Zuba." Xiao Yurong said softly.

Her eyelashes were covered with a warm halo, but against the light, they were a little blurry, and Dugu Ying could not see her expression clearly.

Dugu Ying stood there, clenching his palms and waiting for an answer, his heart also burning.

"I did keep in touch with you before you became Dugu Ying." Xiao Yurong sighed softly, "I used to like you very much because you had beautiful eyes."

This was the only thing Dugu Ying couldn't answer.

Xiao Yurong closed his eyes and spoke first: "Alliance leader, I am here today for the future of our two countries."

Dugu Ying was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you want to negotiate peace?"

"Yes." Xiao Yurong admitted.

Dugu Ying's eyes narrowed. "Princess, you should know about the hatred between Chu Le and me. Besides, the southern border is within easy reach. Why should I give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?"

Xiao Yurong shook his head gently, "The past cannot be changed. Your Ata Ana, my father and mother, have all become stars in the sky."

Dugu Ying's eyes flickered for a moment. It was he who once told Xiao Yurong that people would turn into stars in the sky after death.

"Chu Le is still prosperous, but it also has many problems. And the Northern Kingdom is becoming increasingly powerful. Why do they have to fight to the death?" Xiao Yurong asked.

"The land in the north is so barren. Without sufficient supplies, we will not be able to survive when the winter comes." Dugu Ying shook his head.

He paused, "What is branded in our bones and blood is plunder and killing. We will not give up if we can fight for something better."

Xiao Yurong said: "Chu Le can provide resources and technology to the Northern Kingdom, and is willing to open up some trade markets and give the Northern Kingdom preferential trade policies."

Dugu Ying tapped the tabletop with his fingers lightly, as if he was thinking about something.

After all, the conditions offered by Xiao Yurong were attractive.

Xiao Yurong continued, "Of course, this is just a preliminary proposal. The specific details of the cooperation can be further discussed to ensure that both parties can obtain satisfactory results. So, what do you think, Master?"

Dugu Ying raised his eyes, and at a certain moment, his green eyes revealed a hint of sharpness, "Very tempting conditions."

"Then I will wait for good news." Xiao Yurong smiled vaguely, "I only ask that you don't harm anyone within three years."

She stood up slowly and felt dizzy when she stood up.

Xiao Yurong held onto the corner of the table and took a deep breath.

"Princess." Dugu Ying stood up and supported her elbow.

"I'm fine." Xiao Yurong smiled, "If the leader has made up his mind, please write to me anytime."

She turned and walked out.

"Princess." Dugu Ying's voice came from behind.

Xiao Yurong turned his head.

Dugu Ying looked straight at her with his green eyes, "Okay."

Xiao Yurong was slightly startled.

"I will not attack Chule within three years." Dugu Ying said, "I am not doing this for the conditions you promised. I can still have them after I conquer Chule."

If it's not for the promised benefits, then it can only be for...

"I did it because of you." Dugu Ying said.

"I hope you can be free, and be safe and happy." He whispered, "May the Gray Wolf God, the White Deer God, and all the gods and shamans bless you."

Xiao Yurong seemed to be able to hear again the vague sound of the bell that he heard in Xiangguo Temple that year.

Dugu Ying said: "Take the witch doctor with you, no matter if she is useful or not. She knows a lot of things and should be able to help you."

This time, Xiao Yurong said sincerely and seriously: "Thank you."

Xiao Yurong walked out of the Huiting city gate, and Li Yaozhi was standing not far away waiting for her.

Seeing her figure appear, Li Yaozhi strode over and said, "Your Highness."

"It's done." Xiao Yurong closed his eyes tiredly.

Li Yaozhi glanced at the strangely dressed witch doctor behind her, and lowered his eyes again, "Let's go home, back to Yujing."

"Okay." Xiao Yurong leaned in Li Yaozhi's arms and said softly.

"I'll pass by Yuyou on the way back, and I can go see Fourth Brother..." Her voice became softer, as if she was about to fall asleep.

Li Yaozhi's voice also lowered, "Okay, rest in peace, Your Highness."

There was no big fuss when Xiao Yurong left, and Cui Ci Ning saw them off in silence.

He seemed to be relieved, but also seemed to be still brooding over it.

But no matter how they came to this point, they still had to separate in the end. No matter how many times they reunited, they still had to separate.

Cui Ci Ning watched the mighty convoy that had come from somewhere set off on its return journey. He stood silently on the land of the northern border, his figure once again obscured by the wind and sand of the year.

He didn't know how long he stood there. His personal guard hesitated and opened his mouth several times, but no words came out.

"Let's go." Cui Ci Ning finally spoke, his voice hoarse.

*

After returning to Yujing, Xiao Yurong became even sicker, apparently because of the long journey, and even missed several court sessions.

Xiao Yuxie went out of the palace to see Xiao Yurong several times, and his brows were furrowed every time.

None of the famous doctors could help, so Xiao Yuxie placed his hope on the witch doctor brought back by Xiao Yurong.

But the witch doctor was so mysterious and had an alien appearance and dress, it was hard for Xiao Yuxie not to suspect that she was a spy sent by Dugu Ying.

During this period, Li Yaozhi handled various affairs on behalf of Xiao Yurong.

He was not only the head of the Li family, but also the emperor's grace was so great that, with Xiao Yurong's strong opposition, he took over his father's position and became the prime minister.

Chu Le was the youngest prime minister in history and also a powerful one.

This madman burned down Xiangguo Temple, killed the king and his parents.

This young man, who had been clear-headed for half his life, was kind, righteous, polite, wise, and trustworthy, gentle, respectful, frugal, modest, loyal, filial, honest, and brave, and was the best in character and appearance among the children of aristocratic families.

A young official whose loyalty and treachery are hard to distinguish.

The magnificent Xuan Zheng Hall was resplendent with gold and jade, and all the ministers were present.

Wearing a purple robe and jade belt, he ascends the golden steps and holds the highest position among the ministers.

Normally he was usually dressed elegantly, mostly in blue and white, but now he was dressed like a beast, so elegant and graceful it was rare to see him.

The dark purple official robe was embroidered with a golden python, reflecting a dazzling light in the sun, the color of which looked like dried, old blood.

His face was exquisite as a painting, and a sense of superiority emanated calmly from him, with a smile on his face.

He should make people feel friendly, but Li Yaozhi even burned down the Xiangguo Temple. Now, when these people in the court see him smiling, they just find it creepy. They all know that this Jade-faced Shura is a smiling tiger.

As for the guy behind him, he is a living devil.

Those who obey prosper, those who oppose perish.

And Li Yaozhi became her lackey.

His mind was full of twists and turns, but on the surface all the ministers lowered their heads.

Li Yaozhi walked to the steps and bowed slightly to Xiao Yuxie. His etiquette was impeccable.

Under the crown, Xiao Yuxie's face was blurred and his eyes were obscure.

No one could tell whether this young emperor, who ascended the throne, relied on or feared Li Yaozhi, the powerful prime minister.

After all, Li Yaozhi is Xiao Yurong's man through and through.

"Your Majesty, I have already made arrangements for the birthday banquet for Lord Zhaoyang." Li Yaozhi's voice was clear and echoed in the hall.

"Yeah." Xiao Yuxie nodded, "Not bad."

What Li Yaozhi said made all the officials, from top to bottom, tremble in their hearts.

***Birthday party?

Xiao Yuxie sat on the top of the mountain and sighed sadly, "When the late emperor was alive, Zhaoyang's birthday banquet was held with great fanfare. Out of his love for him, the late emperor ordered the palace lanterns to be kept lit and released sky lanterns to pray for blessings."

The ominous premonition in the ministers' hearts became stronger.

"There have been many disputes in the past few years, and it is not appropriate to hold a grand ceremony for any happy or funeral event. Now, it is time to hold a proper ceremony." Xiao Yuxie said, "This ceremony needs to be more grand and loud than when the late emperor was alive. This will comfort the spirits of my father and mother in heaven, and also bring some joy to Zhaoyang."

This is set in stone.

The courtiers looked bitter, knowing that they could not escape this time. They had to go home and search the treasury, and bleed again.

Unexpectedly, Li Yaozhi said at this time: "Although I have made proper arrangements, the money and materials used are already limited. I have already added a lot of silver from my private treasury. If you want to expand the scale, I am afraid the cost will be even greater."

"In this case, what solutions do you have? Let's pool our wisdom and there will always be a way." Xiao Yuxie asked.

Wang Fuxuan sneered: "All the gentlemen should give some money to our prime minister to hold a banquet, as an extra gift for us to repay the emperor's grace. Isn't it wonderful if this is the case?"

When the ministers heard that they not only had to give gifts but also a huge sum of money, their eyes widened.

Just then, a minister racked his brains to think of words and excuses to politely reject the proposal.

Wang Fuxuan said lightly: "I am willing to contribute my humble efforts and give 100,000 taels as a gift for the princess."

The ministers' eyes darkened when they heard this.

One hundred thousand taels?

The Wang family is rich enough to rival a country, so Wang Fuxuan doesn't care.

The annual salary of a second-rank official was only 20,000 taels. Wang Fuxuan had already set the amount of money right from the start, so how could they dare to give less?

Even if they are lower in rank, it is still a lot for them.

Li Yaozhi nodded in agreement, "Brother, your idea is good. I will pay 80,000 taels."

After all, he was the one who organized the banquet, and he took care of a lot of things inside and outside.

"I'll give you 20,000 taels." Gongsun Qian said with a smile, "I'm really short of money recently. I spent too much on drinking recently. I can only give you this as a token of my appreciation."

Gongsun Qin was a great literary figure. Although he did not come from a noble family, his words were worth a thousand gold.

Now that he had said this, he was offering almost a year's salary as a token of his gratitude, which put the rest of the people in a dilemma.

Gongsun Zhao was silent for a while, and then his brother bumped his elbow. He also took a step forward and said, "I would like to add three years' salary as a gift."

This caused a huge uproar and made the officials hate him very much.

The two brothers of Gongsun family are really worthy of being called the lord's lackeys. The steps are so high that if they don't give more, they will have to jump down and break their legs.

Before leaving, Xiao Yurong asked Gongsun Qin to release Gongsun Zhao. Gongsun Zhao was reinstated and continued to guard the rear for Xiao Yurong when she was away.

But since the release of house arrest, he has not met with Xiao Yurong privately again.

He seemed to still be ***'s aide, but he no longer lived in ***'s mansion, but in a small courtyard not far away.

He still worked for Xiao Yurong and shared her worries, but he and Xiao Yurong were no longer as close and confidant as before, nor did they laugh together like a king and his subject.

They seemed to have become the most distant and dull master and servant, and monarch and subject.

Gongsun Zhao recalled Yi Yan's words "What if she died? What if she really died for this?" in countless late nights, and he tossed and turned in bed.

Gongsun Qian persuaded him many times to admit his mistakes to Xiao Yurong and explain everything clearly.

But he knew very well that he could not go back to the past. Trust is a mirror that cannot be mended once broken.

Xiao Yurong let him out only because she remembered their old friendship.

The sky of love is also the sea of ​​hatred, and he also let down the little sincerity that Xiao Yurong had shown him after all the calculations.

The relationship between the ruler and his subjects is just a dream, and they are just empty names in ancient and modern times.