Tang Dynasty Mingyue Song Dynasty Pass

Chapter 741 Finally meeting Yongning

After Su Chen was stationed in Jinling City, he immediately began to expand his army. He knew that having a strong army was the key to ensuring his status and security, so he spared no effort to recruit troops and continuously expand the Shence Army.

At the same time, he also decided to re-build Black Cloud City. This black cavalry regiment that once swept across Jiangbei during the Yang Wu period will now once again show its strong combat effectiveness under his leadership.

In order to ensure the supply of war horses for the army, Su Chen made full use of the geographical advantages of Jinling Crossing. He purchased war horses from many ports in the Liao Kingdom through maritime trade, and then took advantage of the convenient conditions of Jinling Ferry to transport the war horses back to Jinling.

Compared with the previous method of turnover through ports such as Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, the current route not only saves less than half the distance, but also eliminates the need for cumbersome turnover, greatly improving transportation efficiency.

With the continuous replenishment of war horses and the continuous expansion of the size of the army, Su Chen's strength is also steadily increasing.

He knew that only by having a strong army and stable logistics support could he remain invincible in future struggles. Therefore, he will continue to work hard to develop his own power and lay a solid foundation for achieving his goal of conquering the world.

Although the Wu army carried out some damage and burned and killed many people after they invaded Jinling and Runzhou City, these actions did not cause a devastating blow to these two cities. After several months of recuperation, the refugees who had taken refuge in the surrounding mountain villages due to the war began to return one after another. With their longing for their hometown and their hopes for future life, they resettled on this land.

The residents of Jinling and Runzhou City also began to gradually come out of the shadow of the war. They repaired the destroyed houses, reorganized their homes, and worked hard to restore production and living order. Although the trauma of the war still exists, people are not enveloped in despair, but adopt a positive attitude to survive.

Although he missed the opportunity for spring plowing, Su Chen was not disappointed. He took the opportunity to promote the implementation of the New Deal and quickly had an impact in Jinling City. For example, he encouraged handicrafts and commerce, and supported the reopening of industries such as iron smelting, bronze casting, lacquerware, textiles, boiled salt, and porcelain. Su Chen not only injected new vitality into Jinling City, but also provided a large number of recruitment opportunities for those who Strong men among the refugees either joined the army or worked in workshops.

The direct participation and control of local court officials and businessmen provided stable daily wages to the homeless people in the city, which greatly reduced their survival pressure. With the increase in income, people began to have more money to buy goods, which promoted the circulation of goods and coins.

As a result, the market in Jinling City flourished again, with shops on both sides of the street, a dazzling array of goods, bustling people, and the market full of vitality and vitality.

Su Chen often took people to inspect the shopping streets and markets in the city, and found that the bustling scene in the past was recovering little by little, and the population was also increasing.

Su Chen felt very relieved to see all this. He knew that these changes not only meant the economic recovery of Jinling City, but also meant that the Wu State was gradually becoming stronger under his leadership and governance, allowing more officials and people to see his ability to govern the country.

At this moment, Su Chen knew the importance of word of mouth and reputation. He understood that it was not enough to be good at writing poems and leading troops to fight. The ability to govern the country was also crucial, which would lay a solid foundation for him to take over power in the future.

In fact, Su Chen did not seek to seize power out of personal ambition or desire for power. He was well aware that the situation was forcing him to do so, and if he did not take action, the future outcome might be extremely tragic.

Yang Ling'er is a girl, and her ability, knowledge, skills, and scheming are not enough to control those court officials, and she seems unable to handle complex factional relationships.

Within the current imperial court, there are many factions and complicated relationships.

These factions fight overtly and secretly and work on their own affairs, posing a serious threat to the stability and long-term development of the Wu regime.

As a new monarch, Yang Ling'er lacks sufficient experience and means to balance and control these factions. Moreover, this era does not allow a founding emperor to be a woman. Those civil and military generals will definitely let Yang Ling'er abdicate in the end. Therefore, Yang Ling'er is destined to I can't sit still in this world.

Therefore, this situation left Su Chen with no way out. He had to go on firmly and shoulder the heavy responsibility of leading the new Wu regime. He not only has to consider his own safety, but also protect Yang Ling'er and his friends.

If the Xinwu regime falls into the hands of others, then the end of Su Chen, Yang Ling'er's sworn brother, the closest and most trusted person, can be imagined, and he may be like a fallen leaf, unable to die well.

Fear and suspicion, like sharp blades, could cut off his vitality at any time and bury him in the game of power.

Therefore, whether it is for Ling'er's personal safety or the safety of him and his friends, he must not back down. This was no longer a person's wish. He was swept up by the torrent of the situation and had to move forward bravely.

Su Chen took a deep breath, a determined light flashed in his eyes. He knew that no matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead was, he must go on firmly, for Xinwu and for those he cherished.

"General, we have found out. Princess Yongning is in Yongning Nunnery outside the city. She is currently seriously ill. She..." Jing Yun, a trusted guard, came to report to Su Chen.

Jing Yun is now a boy of fifteen or sixteen years old, tall and straight. After two years of hard training, he has also made significant progress in martial arts. He behaves more like a qualified warrior and bodyguard.

"Yongning..."

The name sounded softly in Su Chen's ears, like a cold wind passing through his heart, making him feel a twinge of pain involuntarily.

This name, along with the pure and beautiful memories between him and Princess Yongning, flooded into his mind.

He recalled the days he spent with Yongning, those carefree, laughter-filled times seemed like just yesterday. However, the cruelty of reality tore all of this apart ruthlessly.

Princess Yongning's family suffered misfortune, her country was destroyed and her family was destroyed. She changed from a noble princess to an orphan of the previous dynasty, and the wheel of fate pushed her into endless darkness.

Now, Yongning has chosen to become a nun, stay with the ancient Buddha with a green lantern, and spend the rest of his life in that cold temple.

Su Chen imagined her figure in front of the ancient Buddha with a green lantern, and felt an indescribable sadness in his heart.

He understood that Yongning's depression was not only due to the grief of her family being destroyed, but also because she had lost the happiness and hope she once had.

Su Chen took a deep breath and tried to suppress the emotions in his heart. He knew that he couldn't let himself be immersed in the memories of the past. He had more important things to do.

As for Yongning, he also wants to visit her. No matter what, this is the person he cares about, and she is the woman who has always been in love with him.

In this chaotic situation, if she was willing, Su Chen thought of taking her back to the city, even if she could continue to be a monk and nun in his house.

"Prepare the car and go to Yongning Temple!"

Su Chen gave an order to take people to Yongning Nunnery to meet Yongning Princess Li Zixuan.

Yongning Temple is located on Qixia Mountain. The mountains are covered with greenery and the forests are gradually dyed, just like a painting with thick ink and heavy colors. In autumn, the maple leaves all over the mountain become extremely gorgeous, like a burning sunset in the sky, and it is so beautiful that it is fascinating.

Whenever the breeze blows, the maple leaves sway gently and make a rustling sound, as if they are whispering and whispering. The sun shines through the sparse clouds and falls on the maple leaves, making them even more shining and dazzling.

Yongning Temple is hidden in this autumn scenery. It is simple and peaceful, as if it is integrated with the surrounding natural scenery. The nuns in the nunnery chant sutras and chant Buddha's name every day, praying for peace and tranquility in the world. Outside the nunnery, tourists come in an endless stream to enjoy the beautiful autumn colors and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature.

Su Chen took Jing Yun and the guards to the outside of Yongning Nunnery.

Now his identity is different, his status is prominent, and he is no longer alone as before. When traveling, dozens of guards followed closely, forming a solid barrier to guard against potential assassination threats.

Living in the whirlpool of power, Su Chen knew that every step he took affected the attention and interests of countless people. There were forces within the Song Dynasty court on the north bank of the Yangtze River and the Wu regime in the south that wanted to kill him.

These hostile forces are like poisonous snakes lurking in the dark, always ready to launch a fatal blow.

After entering Yongning Nunnery, some nuns were shocked when they saw the arrival of Su Chen and others.

Among the nuns, a clear voice said: "Are you Mr. Su?"

That girl nun is Yongning's personal maid.

"It's me, where's Yongning?"

"She, she is in the bedroom and she is not well!" Maid Xiaotong answered with tears in her eyes.

"Take me there!" Su Chen's tone contained a caring and unquestionable meaning.

After the maid Xiaotong got excited, she immediately led the way and led Su Chen to a row of Buddhist bedrooms in the backyard.

Because Princess Yongning has a special status, she and her maid live in a separate bedroom, unlike others who share a row of beds and accommodate more than a dozen people.

The maid Xiaotong was obviously excited. She walked quickly to the front and led the way for Su Chen. She passed through the tranquility of the front yard and walked straight to the backyard. Her steps were brisk and eager, as if she was eager to take Su Chen to that special place.

Arriving at the backyard, rows of Zen bedrooms come into view. The environment here is quiet and solemn, which complements the tranquility of the front yard. Each Zen room is simple and neat, exuding an atmosphere of tranquility.

However, Princess Yongning’s bedroom is different. Her residence is an independent Zen room, separated from other Zen rooms at a distance, which makes it particularly special and noble.

Xiaotong gently opened the door of the Zen room, and a faint scent of sandalwood hit her nostrils. The room was simply and elegantly decorated, with a wooden bed placed inside and a curtain blocking the view.

Su Chen walked into the room and swept his eyes across the room. When he saw this scene, he imagined every day and night Princess Yongning spent here, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He knew that this room had witnessed Princess Yongning's journey from prosperity to loneliness, and also witnessed her transformation from princess to nun.

Xiaotong stood aside, quietly waiting for Su Chen's reaction. She knew that this room was of great significance to Su Chen, so she did not dare to neglect it in the slightest.

Su Chen withdrew his gaze, turned to Xiaotong, and smiled slightly, "Thank you for your help."

Xiaotong waved her hands quickly and said, "Young Master, you're welcome. It's my honor to be able to guide you."

Su Chen nodded, turned around and walked towards the bed, gently opened the curtain, and his eyes fell on Princess Yongning's face.

Princess Yongning lay quietly on the bed, her eyes closed tightly, as if she was immersed in a deep dream. Her face was extremely pale, almost transparent, and there was no blood on her thin cheeks, showing her physical weakness and exhaustion. Her long hair was scattered on the pillow, like a black waterfall, adding a bit of poignant charm.

At this time, Su Chen looked at her appearance, and his heart couldn't help but tighten, and pain surged into his heart like a tide.

He knew that this was all the result of Princess Yongning's physical illness and long-term pain.

Su Chen stared at Princess Yongning, trying to find the shadow of the past in her sleeping face. The once lively and lovely Princess Yongning with a smile on her face was now lying on the bed, her face pale and so thin that it made people feel distressed.

His heart was filled with endless guilt and self-blame, and he hated himself for not being able to share her pain and for not protecting her.

Su Chen gently stretched out his hand, wanting to touch Princess Yongning's cheek, but was afraid of disturbing her sweet dream.

His hand was hanging in mid-air and did not fall down in the end. He took a deep breath and tried to calm down.

Beside Yongning's bed, there is a book, which is the "Collection of Poems by Su Yixuan". This is a book that Yongning reads every day in bed to pass the time. In it, Su Chen learns from Song poetry and recites it in this world. What comes out is printed and circulated.

"Su Chen...Su Chen..."

In his sleep, Yongning was still chanting his name.

Her voice was soft and affectionate, as if she had crossed the boundaries of time and space, searching for the deepest longing in her heart. Even in her deep sleep, her heart was still full of attachment and calling for Su Chen.

"Silly girl, you're still so persistent!" Su Chen was moved by Yongning's dedication and infatuation. He looked at her quiet and haggard sleeping face, his eyes full of tenderness and heartache.

At this moment, Yongning seemed to notice that someone was watching him. She slowly opened her eyes, and her hazy vision gradually focused. When she saw Su Chen standing beside the bed, her eyes widened instantly, and her whole body As if frozen, she looked at him in disbelief.

"Am I dreaming? Su Chen, is it you?" Princess Yongning asked softly, with a hint of trembling and uncertainty in her voice. She pinched her arm gently with her fingers, trying to feel the pain to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

When Su Chen saw Princess Yongning's reaction, his heart palpitated.

He walked to the bed and sat down, reached out and gently took Princess Yongning's hand, feeling the coldness and slight trembling in her palm. He said softly: "It's me, I'm Su Chen, I'm here to see you. This time, we won't be separated again."

His voice was full of firmness and tenderness, as if he was telling Princess Yongning that no matter how many storms and hardships she experienced, he would always be by her side and never leave her.

Su Chen's eyes shone with deep affection and determination, making Princess Yongning feel unprecedented peace of mind and warmth.