Free Web NovelChapter 308: My Lord, Do You Wish to Take Yuzhou?
"A moment of a spring night is worth a thousand gold; the flowers have a delicate fragrance, and the moon casts a faint shadow."
The cool night air mingled with the scent of blooming flowers, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.
"A night of romance, a night of passion."
Passion burned through the quiet night, filling the room with unspoken desire.
Morning.
The dawn light softly filtered through the window, signaling the start of a new day.
Da Qiao, biting back the pain and swelling, gently rose from the bed and dressed in her thin white silk gown.
Her movements were slow, her mind replaying the events of the previous night as her body ached with lingering sensations.
She glanced down at Long Chen’s handsome face, and her heart involuntarily skipped a beat. Without thinking, she leaned in, wanting to kiss his red lips.
Her breath caught as she drew closer, her fingers trembling with anticipation.
However, to her surprise, Long Chen suddenly opened his starry eyes, lifted his head, and caught Da Qiao’s lips in his.
His unexpected move sent a jolt through her body, deepening her blush.
His starry eyes glowed with a strange and mesmerizing light.
"Why are you so naughty, husband~ You woke up without even telling me~"
Da Qiao’s voice carried a playful mix of shyness and mock irritation, her cheeks flushed.
She teased him with a pout, her beautiful eyes filled with bashful affection.
Long Chen laughed heartily. His martial strength was an impressive 95, making him a top-tier general, and he had known the moment Da Qiao opened her eyes.
His heart surged with pride not just for his strength but for the intimacy they shared.
He had only pretended to be asleep to have a bit of fun with her.
Their playful exchange broke the peaceful morning, stirring the quiet atmosphere with warmth and laughter.
This lighthearted banter between husband and wife woke up the still-sleeping Xiao Qiao.
Xiao Qiao slowly opened her clear, bright eyes, her clothes half-covering her body, revealing patches of snow-white skin.
Her delicate form was on full display, innocent and captivating.
The white silk stockings, made of ice silkworm threads, had been torn into pieces by Long Chen during the night.
As she shifted, the remnants of her stockings emphasized the passionate intensity of the previous night.
The sight only added fuel to the smoldering desire in Long Chen’s eyes as he looked at his rising manhood, ready for another round of indulgence.
But suddenly, a voice came from outside the door.
"Reporting to the King of Wu, the Grand Minister Guo Jia requests an audience."
Hearing this, Long Chen knew he could no longer indulge in such pleasures.
Guo Jia’s personal visit likely meant something important had happened.
Da Qiao gave Long Chen a knowing look and teasingly said, "Guo Jia is here, husband. You’d better stop thinking about that now."
"Well, well, I suppose you two won’t escape from my grasp for long," Long Chen said with a sly smile.
He then swiftly donned his purple python robe and placed the starry crown upon his head beneath the delicate touch of both Qiaos, their hands adjusting his attire with care.
The aura of a king immediately radiated from him, captivating both Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, their eyes filled with admiration.
"Husband is truly the most handsome man under the heavens," Da Qiao sighed softly, her eyes sparkling.
"It’s such a blessing to have been married to you, husband~" Xiao Qiao added shyly, her voice gentle.
"By the way, husband, don’t forget about Wenji’s marriage. You should make a decision on that soon."
Da Qiao reminded him as she helped him straighten his clothes, her tone patient yet insistent.
"I won’t forget it, naturally. I made the decision, so it’s my responsibility to see it through."
Long Chen responded with a serious tone, his face turning solemn.
He was already preparing to bring this matter to the imperial court today, to request the Emperor’s decree for his marriage to Cai Wenji.
In doing so, he was certain that even Cai Yong, that great scholar who was loyal to the Emperor, would have no choice but to accept.
After all, what is Confucianism meant for?
Its purpose is to serve the Emperor, ensuring the Emperor’s power is centralized and absolute.
Thus, Cai Yong would have no way to refuse Emperor Liu Bian’s edict.
As for the Hedong Wei family!?
Heh...
Long Chen didn’t even bother to take them seriously.
You are in the territory of Yuan Shao in Jizhou. What does that have to do with the King of Wu?
If this marriage was snatched, so be it. After all, it was a calculated move, one that aligned with his greater ambitions. In the grand scheme of things, the Wei family was but a minor obstacle, a pebble on the path to his true goals—consolidating his power and expanding his influence across the land.
Do you really have the guts to raise an army and attack me? It would be foolish, bordering on suicidal. Wei family soldiers might have been renowned locally, but they were no match for the elite forces Long Chen commanded. Not to mention, he had the finest strategists under his banner, men whose minds could turn the tide of any battle.
If you dare come, that would be perfect; I could take you all out in one fell swoop. In fact, Long Chen secretly hoped they would make such a rash decision. It would save him the trouble of dealing with them later, when his conquests required more subtlety and diplomacy.
After all, the mighty generals and soldiers under Long Chen’s command were itching for a battle! They had been training for months, perfecting their formations, and sharpening their blades. A real confrontation would not only quench their thirst for action but also send a message to other potential enemies. His army was one of the finest in the land, and every skirmish served to reinforce their reputation.
However, the pressing matter now was to see what exactly Guo Jia wanted to inform him about. Guo Jia was not one to come for trivial matters. If he was here in person, it meant something of great significance was brewing. Long Chen’s curiosity was piqued, his mind already racing with possible scenarios.
Leaving the back hall, he crossed the central lake, walked past the exotic flowers and herbs of the Hundred-Grass Garden, and strode along the path built from glazed tiles and golden stones, finally arriving at the main hall. The palace grounds were serene, a stark contrast to the weight of decisions looming in the air. Long Chen’s steps were purposeful, each stride calculated, much like the man himself—always focused, always moving towards his goals.
Inside the hall.
A thin man dressed in white robes was holding a scroll, engrossed in reading. The soft rustle of paper was the only sound that filled the space, yet there was an air of intensity about him, as if even his reading was part of some intricate strategy unfolding in his mind.
His face was pale and unhealthy—who else could it be but Guo Jia? Despite his frail appearance, his intellect was razor-sharp, and his mind worked ceaselessly to ensure that Long Chen’s reign would be unrivaled.
As Long Chen walked, he recalled the negative effects of Guo Jia’s condition, known as "Heaven’s Envy of Genius," and couldn’t help but ponder how to resolve it. Such a brilliant mind, yet cursed with a body that could not keep up. Long Chen had already sought countless remedies, consulted with the best healers, but nothing had worked. Time was running out.
At present, he had no miraculous medicine capable of curing such a malady. And the thought troubled him deeply. Guo Jia was more than just a strategist—he was a key piece in the grand chess game that would lead Long Chen to ultimate power. Losing him now would be a devastating blow.
"Fengxiao, what brings you to my residence today?" Long Chen’s voice broke the silence, though his mind was still occupied with thoughts of Guo Jia’s fate.
"Greetings, my lord."
Guo Jia clasped his hands in respect, though his sharp eyes gleamed with a hidden excitement, as if he were already five steps ahead in a game no one else was even aware of.
"Someone, bring out the finest wine and food," Long Chen instructed the beautiful maidservants standing by the door. He knew Guo Jia’s penchant for wine, a small indulgence that seemed to ease the burden of his health, if only temporarily.
Guo Jia’s eyes briefly passed over the two women before turning to Long Chen with a smile. A slight curve of his lips, but there was always more beneath the surface with Guo Jia.
"My lord, I’ve come today because there is an important matter to discuss with you." His tone was casual, but Long Chen could feel the gravity of his words.
"What matter requires you to come in person?" Long Chen asked curiously, his interest now fully piqued.
After all, if it were a routine affair, Guo Jia could have sent a messenger or a trusted aide. There was no need for him to come personally. This meant it was something that could shift the balance of power, something that needed careful handling.
"My lord, do you wish to seize Yuzhou?"
Guo Jia’s eyes gleamed with cunning as he spoke softly. His words, simple as they were, carried the weight of destiny. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
In an instant, Long Chen’s mind felt as if it had been struck by a thunderbolt. His pulse quickened, not out of fear, but out of the thrill of opportunity. Yuzhou—another jewel to add to his crown.
Hadn’t I just taken Yanzhou?
And now I’m being asked to seize Yuzhou so soon? The thought electrified him, yet he knew that with Guo Jia by his side, no plan was too bold, no conquest too great.
