Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 455 Alliance (1)
Feng Xuxu, upon learning of this matter, merely offered a faint smile.
Dugu Chen, eager to celebrate the first birthdays of their two children, had ridden day and night to make it back. The main forces, led by General Hu, were also making a hasty return journey.
On May 13th, six days after the birthdays had passed, General Hu’s troops also arrived at the Capital City. Once the remaining forces were settled, he, accompanied by a few personal guards and his deputy, hurried to the Imperial Palace.
"Long live, long live the Emperor..."
"Arise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
They rose, standing with due respect in the great hall, and looked up to the Emperor seated on the Dragon Throne.
"Your contributions in the conquest of Mingyi Country are indisputable. Rest for a few days when you return, and then we will discuss your rewards," Dugu Chen said, looking at the generals who had followed him through life and death, feeling very gratified.
"All successes were under the Marshal’s command; I dare not claim such significant merit," Hu Liujin humbly declined the accolade, fully aware of his own limitations and knowing that without the Marshal’s strategies, he couldn’t have conquered Mingyi Country so smoothly in merely five months.
Dugu Chen chuckled upon hearing this, "Even with the best plans, it amounts to nothing without a capable leader to guide the troops in battle. Accept it with ease."
Hu Liujin was so moved by the Emperor’s words that he nearly shed tears.
Dugu Chen returned to the harem in high spirits and found the three most important people in his life playing. He joined their company.
Watching them sound asleep, Feng Xuxu and Dugu Chen shared a smile and then, hand in hand, made their way to the Imperial Garden.
"Chen, I’ve heard that the Crown Prince of Sunset Kingdom, Lou Qianyu, is on his way here and will arrive soon, is that right?" She asked while walking on the cobblestone path, lifting her clear, large eyes to the man beside her.
"Yes, he should arrive early the day after tomorrow." He turned to his wife, his handsome face breaking into a warm, sunny smile.
Feng Xuxu blinked, suddenly laughing to herself. She had gazed upon his face for several years, yet was once again deeply captivated by his smile just now. She wondered whether it was due to her own lack of composure or because he was too unbelievably enchanting.
Seeing his wife so attracted to him made Dugu Chen very cheerful. His face, no longer cold and frosty, now wore a warm smile.
"My lord, does Lou Qianyu have a particular reason for coming at this time?" Feng Xuxu asked, halting her laughter, her brows furrowing slightly as she thought of Lou Qianyu.
Dugu Chen shook his head as well, "I am not entirely sure, we’ll know once he arrives."
"Ming Hong and Ming Shang have both committed suicide, and Mingyi Country has been divided between our country and Sunset Kingdom. It befuddles me why Lou Qianyu would come here instead of governing the newly acquired territory," Feng Xuxu couldn’t figure it out and shook her head.
Dugu Chen pursed his lips, smiling lightly, "Is even this small problem troubling you?"
Feng Xuxu glanced at him, "Humph, I’m not a politician, nor do I possess your nimble mind."
"Silly girl, the balance that once was among three nations has now become a matter of two. If you were the Emperor of Sunset Kingdom, what would you do?"
His words were like a wake-up call, and Feng Xuxu had a sudden realization, shaking her head resignedly, "If I were the Emperor of Sunset Kingdom, I would either attack Xueyan Country or extend a hand in friendship. Now that Lou Qianyu is coming, it’s obvious – he’s here for friendship!"
"You’re not so naïve after all."
"Oh, stop it." Feng Xuxu playfully chided, and the two continued their pleasant stroll through the garden.
The following evening, Lou Qianyu arrived just as the city gates were about to close. He checked into an inn, sent up a memorial to the palace, and waited for Dugu Chen’s summons.
