Chapter 208: Longing Like a Tide, So I Spurred My Horse On

When Xiao Yang heard what happened to Xu Xingchen, she didn’t go in person but sent an Imperial Physician.

She cared only for Xu Xingchen himself; she would not involve herself in the affairs of the Xu Family.

An Emperor does not interfere in the domestic affairs of their subjects. And even if she did have something going on with Xu Xingchen, she would never consider herself to be part of the Xu Family in any way.

Li Wei’s great army was about to return in triumph. Xiao Yang had people prepare a victory banquet. The newly conquered territories needed to be administered. The new year was fast approaching. And after the start of spring, there was the first imperial examination—highly anticipated and a year in the making—which needed to be handled well.

Xiao Yang watched as one matter after another piled up, pushing her to the brink of collapse. ’...’ ’What the hell kind of life is this?’

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Xiao Yang snapped the Imperial Brush in her hand and slammed it onto the floor.

’I’m done! Whoever wants to approve these memorials can go right ahead!’

The Emperor Green Bead from the Imperial Brush rolled out, coming to a stop right at the feet of the person who had just entered.

The person paused slightly, then bent down to pick up the bead. He chuckled and said, "Who has angered Your Majesty this time?"

Xiao Yang looked up, her eyes lighting up. "Why are you back today?"

Rong Yin stepped forward slowly, a smile filled with lingering affection in his deep eyes. "My longing came in waves, so I spurred my horse on."

He spoke sweet nothings without reservation. Walking up to Xiao Yang, he opened his arms. "I have already bathed. May I embrace Your Majesty?"

Xiao Yang stepped forward and buried her face in his embrace.

"Permission granted."

Finally holding her in his arms, Rong Yin let out a satisfied sigh.

"Your Majesty is truly wicked."

Xiao Yang was about to look up and retort, but he pressed her head against his shoulder and continued, "It’s been half a year. We met for a moment, only to be separated again. I don’t even know how I’ve gotten through these past six months."

"I heard that Xu Shaoqing toasted you in the throne hall to vie for your favor. Now everyone knows he is Your Majesty’s man. Just how many people does Your Majesty intend to entice before you’re satisfied?"

Xiao Yang said, "I don’t have to entice any of them."

’Men had never been a necessity in her life.’

"That won’t do."

Rong Yin retorted on the spot, "Your Majesty must entice me."

’Preferably no one else. Only him.’

He lifted Xiao Yang into his arms, dipping his head slightly. Making no effort to hide his craving, he sought his reward. "I have completed all the tasks Your Majesty assigned me. Tonight, I desire a reward from Your Majesty."

What kind of reward he wanted was something they both knew perfectly well.

Xiao Yang gave him a light kick, but it was as if she’d flipped a switch. The man who had just been tenderly speaking of his longing suddenly lowered his head and kissed her, holding her tightly as he kissed her with wild abandon.

No words could describe his bone-deep, agonizing longing. He just wanted to feel her presence, sharp and clear.

Rong Yin stayed in the Imperial Study Room, helping Xiao Yang with the memorials while keeping her company.

By the time they had dealt with most of the matters, the sky had already grown dark.

Xiao Yang glanced back, and she wasn’t sure if it was the lamplight, but she saw Rong Yin’s eyes glowing.

He looked like a predator lying in wait, its eyes fixed on its prey, ready to strike now that the time was right.

Xiao Yang scoffed. ’Hunter or prey? We’ll see about that.’

"Mmm, ooh~"

As night fell, the two lovers reveled in each other’s arms, reaching for the peak of ecstasy together.

With familiarity came expertise. Rong Yin had learned to fully enjoy the pleasure Xiao Yang gave him, reveling in her touch as he pleasured her in return.

And without a doubt, those heart-pounding, blush-inducing sounds were coming from him.

The two of them went from the bathing tub to the Dragon Bed, and back again, before finally falling into a deep sleep late at night.

News that the Regent King had spent the night in Zichen Palace spread quickly. At this point, it was hardly a surprise, and besides, it was what the Regent King deserved.

He steadfastly guarded Your Majesty’s throne and upheld all of Your Majesty’s decrees.

’If Your Majesty didn’t dote on him, who else would she dote on?’

Although a group of Palace Attendants, under Nanny Yang’s reprimand, dared not gossip about the Emperor or stare openly, one could still keenly feel the burning flames of their curiosity.

Xiao Yang: "..."

’Being an Emperor means having absolutely no privacy.’

In contrast to Xiao Yang’s speechlessness, Rong Yin clearly had a different attitude. His chin was held high, his steps were light, and one could plainly tell he was in an excellent mood. He reveled in the crowd’s attention, wishing everyone knew just how close his relationship with the Empress was.

Today was the day of Li Wei’s triumphant return to the capital. In just half a year, he had all but annihilated Beimeng, adding another glorious achievement to General Li’s brilliant military record.

Dressed in her Dragon Robe, Xiao Yang went to the city gates to welcome him.

The vast, mighty army appeared on the horizon. The scene felt familiar.

The common people also felt a sense of déja vu. The Great General’s annihilation of Xirong had happened at the beginning of the year, and now at year’s end, he had destroyed Beimeng as well.

’Has our country really become this powerful?’

’It’s a bewildering feeling, as if the nation had been secretly leveling up behind their backs, and they’d been completely unaware.’

"I have not failed in my duty."

Just as before, Li Wei knelt before the Emperor to report the completion of his mission.

Clad in his battle armor, his eyes burned like torches, and his aura was mighty and imposing.

Who knew how many people he had killed this time? The stench of blood on him seemed almost tangible.

"You have worked hard."

Xiao Yang reached out to help him up, joking self-deprecatingly, "I suppose I’m getting used to this now."

Li Wei couldn’t help but smile as well. "I’ve troubled Your Majesty."

Xiao Yang raised her hand, and a eunuch beside her immediately offered a cup of poured wine. There was one not just for Li Wei, but for the soldiers behind him as well.

Xiao Yang raised her cup. "I will drain this cup in a toast to the fine sons of our Da Wei!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After drinking, they entered the city.

As they passed, Xiao Yang overheard the discussions of the people nearby.

"General Li has achieved such great merit again. I wonder what kind of reward Your Majesty will bestow upon him?"

"General Li is Your Majesty’s most capable minister. He was already made the Pingxi Marquis before. What other great reward could there be? They can’t just give him a kingship, can they?"

The matter of Li Wei’s reward had also been a topic of discussion in the court these past two days.

Li Wei had annihilated two nations in a row, an unparalleled achievement. It was more than enough to be granted the title of king.

However, when it came to bestowing a kingship, the most important factor wasn’t merit, but the Emperor’s attitude.

And Xiao Yang, clearly, had no intention of making Li Wei a king.

’Annihilate one nation, become a marquis. Annihilate another, become a king. If he does it one more time, will I have to give up my throne for him?’

’Pingxi Marquis, General of the Army—that was the highest station Li Wei would ever reach in this lifetime.’

’He enjoys such a high stipend and wields so much power. Being loyal to me and winning battles for me is what he should be doing.’

’Winning battles is Li Wei’s duty, but he performed it beautifully, so of course, there must still be a reward.’

’Wealth, a marriage, titles for his family—all of those were possibilities.’

And Xiao Yang had also commissioned a special gift for him: a Death Exemption Token.

The victory banquet and the new year’s feast were combined into one, making this occasion exceptionally grand.

Li Wei sat in the seat closest to Xiao Yang, drinking with her and enjoying the songs and dances.

At such a grand banquet, there was of course no shortage of Dancing Girls performing, but Yu Li’s figure was absent from their ranks today.

Someone noticed this and made a point to observe the Emperor’s expression.

’What expression could Xiao Yang possibly have?’

’She could barely handle the few men around her as it was; she had no time to deal with that little male dancer.’

’Allowing him to save face last time was already a sign of her tolerance.’