Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 433: Extra Three: Years Later, Good Times Might Just Be an Illusion (1)
Northwest Gan State, a rainy night.
The sound of a woman’s scream echoed throughout the inner courtyard.
The ten-year-old Sikong Liang, following his father to pay respects to the Marquis of Northwest, happened to encounter Madam Liu giving birth to a daughter.
Even though separated by several courtyard walls, he could still remember the sound of that scream.
He thought to himself.
Childbirth is indeed a terrifying thing for women.
Thankfully, being a man, he wouldn’t have to suffer such pains.
However, on the path of defending the country, peace and prosperity were not guaranteed.
One couldn’t rule out the possibility of dying in battle. He was well aware of that.
In the study, two kneeled, one stood.
The Sikong father and son knelt devotedly on the ground, waiting for the Marquis of Northwest to speak.
It was Sikong Liang’s father who first broke the silence.
"Marquis, this is my son."
"Liang’er, greet the Marquis."
It was Sikong Liang’s first time meeting the ruler of their Northwest, whose reputation he had heard of daily since birth.
He had imagined a figure as robust as a black bear, who could manage the Northwest land for decades.
Yet he never dreamed that the long-admired Marquis of Northwest would be so "petite and delicate."
But due to his status, he didn’t dare think about anything else and continued speaking as his father did.
"Commoner greets the Marquis, and wishes the Marquis well."
Although young, he was remarkably composed.
Also, he looked astonishingly similar to the Left Minister’s grandson from Da Jin.
If the two stood together, even acquaintances might not tell them apart.
Moreover, Sikong Liang had been imitating the Left Minister’s grandson for several years.
So at this moment, he was the "real" Chunyu Shangyun.
The Marquis of Northwest scrutinized Sikong Liang for a while and then nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad, a good seedling."
Hearing this, the Sikong father and son finally relaxed.
"Thank you, Marquis, for your praise."
The Marquis of Northwest walked around the study table to where they kneeled.
He lifted his hand slightly, signaling the father and son to stand up.
Soon, his voice was heard.
"This time, going to Da Jin to gather intelligence, you need to be bold and cautious, most crucially, if unfortunately captured, you should know the consequences. Are you truly prepared?"
Though the Marquis’s words sounded light, they carried significant weight.
The Sikong family lived well in the Northwest only because of the Marquis’s long-standing favor.
He would risk his life to get this done.
Thus, despite his youth, Sikong Liang replied shrewdly.
"Rest assured, Marquis. The commoner is prepared. If caught, Da Jin will only have my corpse, not a single piece of information about the Northwest!"
When these words were spoken, a trace of appreciation flashed in the Marquis’s eyes.
"Good. Indeed, a fine young man of our Northwest! Since you’re ready, prepare to depart in the next few days. Upon your triumphant return, this Marquis shall be the first to toast to your success!"
"Thank you, Marquis!"
After years of waiting and planning, his skills were finally put to use.
Sikong Liang was full of ambition and naturally overjoyed at this opportunity to be liberated like a caged bird.
"The commoner will not disappoint the Marquis’ expectations and will ensure Da Jin is torn apart!"
Hearing this, the Marquis nodded.
He then gave them plenty of instructions before allowing the father and son to leave.
The rain had been pouring when they arrived; now, as they were leaving, it seemed to be stopping.
The father and son wore dark clothes and were led on the smaller paths by a steward.
His sharp ears caught the servants’ gossip as they left the mansion.
"The first lady gave birth to a girl, so now the first family has both a son and daughter, and she is the first young lady of our Marquis Mansion. She’s bound to be showered with love."
So it seemed the child was born.
Hearing this, Sikong Liang couldn’t help but smirk.
The legitimate daughter of the Northwest Marquis Mansion, she was fortunate.
Born into wealth and luxury, sheltered from the winds and rains.
But soon, this thought was left behind as he proceeded out of the mansion.
Little did he know at that moment.
That in the future, he would have so many ties with this legitimate daughter of the Northwest Marquis Mansion.
Time flies, years pass.
In the blink of an eye, seven years went by.
During these seven years, Sikong Liang replaced the position of Da Jin’s Left Minister’s grandson, Chunyu Shangyun.
He had integrated well there.
Secretly, he provided the Marquis of Northwest with crucial military arrangements several times.
Because of his infiltration, Da Jin’s ambitions to move south failed repeatedly.
But soon, they had another opportunity.
The tenth year of Da Wei’s Jianwu period.
The Emperor Yu Wen Dan passed away, and the Crown Prince Yu Wenhong ascended the throne with the assistance of Empress Dowager Zhang and four ministers.
In June of the same year, the country was renamed "Yuanhe."
With the new emperor’s enthronement, naturally there would be tributes from all nations.
Da Jin was no exception.
Even though their relations with Da Wei were strained to the brink of conflict.
On the surface, the proper protocol had to be maintained.
In gold autumn August, perfect for autumn hunting.
Among the delegates following Da Jin’s Crown Prince for the tribute, was Sikong Liang.
Now he had grown into a handsome and charming young man of sixteen or seventeen.
His status as the young grandson of Da Jin’s Left Minister afforded him endless nobility.
Outwardly, he was just a lover of beauty and a loyal follower of Da Jin’s Crown Prince.
His mission was to uphold the honor of Da Jin’s Crown Prince.
Entering the Northwest, the group naturally proceeded south, eventually reaching Ganzhou.
Because of their noble status, the Northwest Marquis Mansion hosted a banquet for them.
That day, Sikong Liang followed Da Jin’s Crown Prince into the Northwest Marquis Mansion.
The mansion was as it was, though perhaps more solemn and dignified than before.
Seeing his homeland and its residents living in peace and safety comforted Sikong Liang.
Yet outwardly, he maintained an indifferent attitude.
Clicked his tongue and said.
"This mansion is somewhat shabby and can’t compare to our Da Jin’s Crown Prince Mansion."
His arrogant demeanor naturally stirred dissatisfaction among the mansion’s people.
But Da Jin’s Crown Prince defended him.
Smiling, he explained.
"Shangyun here has been spoiled by the Left Minister and me, forgive him if he speaks out of turn, Marquis and gentlemen."
He then pretended to scold him in a seemingly angry tone.
"Don’t speak nonsense." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
Chunyu Shangyun (Sikong Liang) shrugged exaggeratedly but maintained his disdainful demeanor.
Entering the floral hall, they sat as per their positions.
The Da Jin representatives sat on the left, the people of the Northwest Marquis Mansion on the right.
The Marquis of Northwest raised his wine bowl in the center and said.
