Chapter 346: Chapter 346 Triumphal Return to Court to Watch the Tigers Fight from Afar (1)
The Emperor opened the memorial and, within a short moment, joy appeared on his handsome face. With a swish, he closed the memorial and, with smiling eyes, looked upon the Ministers below. Lifting the memorial, he said, "Today is indeed a double celebration. Marshal Hou led a smaller force to greatly drive back several small border countries, chasing them out over a hundred miles away. Truly delightful news for everyone."
"The Emperor is wise."
Feng Xuxu glanced at the Ministers, and in less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, found herself kneeling again. Lifting her eyelids slightly, she caught sight of the Emperor, his face beaming with pleasure, thoroughly enjoying the worship of others. Feng Xuxu sneered inwardly. No wonder they all liked to sit in that position—the thrill of being venerated and looking down upon all life from above.
"Spread the word, so everyone can share in the joy." With that, he handed the memorial to Shiyuan.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Oh my, this is truly wonderful, a cause for celebration." The Minister of War glanced at the memorial, then turned to pass it on, not forgetting to utter words of praise.
"Indeed, and to think, Marshal Hou was your recommendation." After reading the memorial, the Minister of Rites passed it on and didn’t forget to say this to Chen Ke.
Chen Ke smiled and gently sipped from the wine cup on the table, his heart filled with contentment.
The Emperor watched as the memorial circulated among the Ministers, feeling a surge of excitement. This was the first time he had been this happy since his accession.
"Let it be known that We order rewards for the three armies. A thousand taels of Gold as a reward for Marshal Hou, half for the generals."
"The Emperor’s fame will last forever."
"Since ascending to the throne, not only have We observed our first New Year’s Eve but also received heartening news from the border. Today, We are truly gratified." The words had barely left his lips when the drink slid down his throat.
Dugu Hai, the Prince of An, was the first to stand, downing his cup of wine in one go. He laughed heartily, "The Emperor’s wise rule is a great fortune for the entire realm."
The Emperor looked up at the Prince of An, smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to Dugu Chen at the lower seats. He saw him quietly drinking on his own, his demeanor calm as if the words of the people in the hall, as well as those below, were of no concern to him.
A melody of silk and bamboo sounded, and dancing figures began to float across the room. With the strumming of the guzheng, the wind stirred the jade beads into motion. The Ministers pushed their cups from one to another, their clinking glasses and the mournful flute continuing late into the night until the palace banquet finally ended.
Being in high spirits, the Emperor drank a few extra cups and didn’t ride the Dragon Carriage back to the palace. Instead, he walked back in order to sober up, but on the way past the Imperial Garden, he encountered Lianfei coming towards him.
She took a few graceful steps towards the Emperor and knelt with elegance, her voice sweet and soft, her eyes brimming with spring as she looked up at him, "Your concubine has just prepared sobering soup in the kitchen. Why not have it at Moon Fairy Palace before you go?"
Dugu Han, his eyes hazy, gazed dumbly at the figure in the light purple dress, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes filled with deep affection for him. In an instant, his pride swelled, and filled with male vanity, he stepped forward to take her delicate hand and they walked together toward Moon Fairy Palace.
Shiyuan, seeing the Emperor and Lianfei thus, followed at a distance behind them.
In the sleeping chamber of Moon Fairy Palace, within the red bridal curtains, after a bout of lovemaking, Xiu Yang lay atop him, her breath unsteady as she gazed at the handsome Dugu Han. Her charming face blushed deeply as she slightly parted her red lips, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your majesty’s victory. Under your illustrious rule, Xueyan Country has reached new heights."
Dugu Han, having closed his eyes, opened them when he heard her, and met her alluring gaze, "It’s just your sweet words."
Giggling, she replied, "Your concubine isn’t merely flattering. To win with fewer against the many and to defeat several countries—when this news spreads, the people will know that Xueyan doesn’t have just one charming king."
The smile on Dugu Han’s face disappeared upon hearing that. A hint of menace flashed in his eyes as he coldly said, "Are you suggesting that the people all know of Dugu Chen and not of Us?"
