Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

Zhongjing, Dading Prefecture.

As the sky brightened, teams of armored guards, carrying bows on their backs, scimitars on their waists, and holding spears, patrolled the palace. Although the palace here was not as majestic as the one in Shangjing, it was still one of the Five Capitals. Everything that could be found in the imperial city could be found here, except unfortunately, the emperor could not be found.

Twenty miles southwest of Dading Prefecture, white tents were erected in the wilderness, and the Pi Shi army and the armored soldiers of the Orudo army riding on war horses were patrolling along a specific route.

The burly men looked very energetic, with their shiny armor and weapons flashing brightly in the sun. From time to time, someone came out of the tent with his eyes closed and his head tilted.

Yelu Yanxi walked out of his luxurious tent, stretched his body towards the sky, and ran from the hunting ground on Shangjing Road to Zhongjing Road. For this emperor who liked to travel by boat, it was just a normal migration. Although it was a bit urgent and the speed was a bit fast, it was still bearable.

He walked towards the camp, passed by Concubine Yuan's tent, stopped the guards who were following him, and subconsciously moved closer. The voices of women laughing inside came through the tent. The curtains of the tent were opened and Concubine Wen was seen sitting inside. The two concubines were talking in low voices. Both women were middle-aged, but they still had charm. Their sweet smiles made Yelu Yanxi unconsciously pat his waist.

Maybe we should find a new hunting ground in Zhongjing...

Without disturbing the two women, he quietly stepped back and walked away, walking in the camp with his guards.

The fall of Shangjing had already become a fact. In Yelu Yanxi's view, he had already made remedial measures. He let Xiao Yixiu lead his troops to fight in the south, and appointed Yelu Yuyang to garrison in the north. He even agreed to his conditions of recruiting new soldiers. All that should be done had been done. So there was nothing for him to worry about. He couldn't sigh and be sad all day long. What was the meaning of life if that was the case?
He is the emperor. He only needs to set the strategy and let the people below execute it. He can't do everything himself. If so, what is the purpose of ministers? Aren't ministers there to help him solve problems?

These thoughts were forgotten in his mind in less than a breath, and he then wondered if there was any prey worth hunting in Zhongjing.

The stags, leopards and wild boars on the Shangjing Road are already tired of it, and I heard that there are tigers roaming in Luming Mountain in the south.

Ok……

The tiger skin in the tent is old and it's time to replace it with a new one. Why not go over there?

With one hand across his chest and the other stroking his beard, the Liao emperor was thinking seriously, which was rare. When the guards, eunuchs and palace maids passing by saw this, they immediately held their breath and slowed down their pace, for fear of interrupting the emperor's thoughts.

Since arriving at Dading Prefecture, Your Majesty has issued decrees frequently. Some time ago, the Northern Commander-in-Chief Yelu Yudu sent a memorial to the emperor, and Your Majesty approved the document that afternoon and sent it to the front line by express horse. This shows that Your Majesty is worried about state affairs, and we must not disturb him at this time, otherwise being dragged away and beaten to death would be the least of his punishment.

After passing several tents, someone was escorted by a crowd and walked towards them from afar. The Liao emperor, who had just made up his mind, came to his senses and was immediately delighted when he saw the person coming: "Why are you here, my dear Xiao? Walk with me."

Xiao Fengxian hurried over, saluted first, then stood up and walked to the side and back of Yelu Yanxi and followed him: "Your Majesty, I heard that you promised Yelu Yuyang the right to recruit soldiers on his own?"

These things again...

Hasn’t the court already held a meeting?

Yelu Yanxi glanced at him, feeling a little annoyed, and pointed at him with his hand: "My good mood has been ruined by you."

Xiao Fengxian didn't even need to look at his expression. He knew from his voice that his Majesty was worried. However, he was also an old man around the Liao emperor, so he naturally knew where the other party's patience was: "Your Majesty, Yelu Yuyang is now recruiting new troops. His subordinates are all Han, Bohai and Xi people. There are almost no warriors from our tribe. If this continues..."

Looking up at Yelu Yanxi who looked impatient, his heart sank, and he continued to say: "I am afraid he will do something rebellious."

"My dear minister, you worry too much." Yelu Yanxi listened patiently and waved his hand: "His wife is the sister of Concubine Wen, don't think too much, there will be any rebellion."

Then he called Xiao Fengxian to follow him: "It's rare that things have calmed down recently. Xiao Aiqing, go and get ready and follow me to Luming Mountain to hunt."

"His Majesty……"

Xiao Fengxian wanted to persuade him again, but seeing Yelu Yanxi's eyes twitching, he immediately changed his words: "I wonder how many people you are going to bring with you this time? Should we ask Xiao Delidi to come with us?"

"That idiot, what do you want him to do?"

After cursing, Yelu Yanxi angrily threw his hands and said, "Tell him to stay in the tent and come out when he realizes his mistake."

"I understand." Xiao Fengxian nodded quickly: "I will go find a chef who is good at grilling to bring him here."

Yelu Yanxi's face lit up at this point: "Remember to call someone who is good at making leather, the tiger skin in my tent is too old."

Xiao Fengxian suddenly realized, but his face was filled with surprise: "Your Majesty is going to hunt tigers? This time, I am lucky enough to see your Majesty's majestic appearance again."

Yelu Yanxi was delighted when he heard this: "This time I will let you see my heroic figure."

Xiao Fengxian flattered her a few more times before turning around and leaving. He first went to his sister Xiao Guige's place, and listened to her and Concubine Wen chattering in the tent. He hid in the dark and listened silently for a while before walking away again.

He just seemed to be lost in thought along the way, apparently still pondering something.

After noon that day, three thousand guards escorted the emperor all the way south, and Yelu Yanxi's hunting in Zhongjing officially began.

……

Jiazi day.

The news that the King of Qi ascended the throne spread from Shangjing to other places, and the decree of amnesty spread to all directions, so that many prisoners with lighter crimes were able to see the light of day again.

Moreover, the two systems of military merit and government soldiers began to be promoted to the newly surrendered military states. For a time, the poor people were all extremely excited. Those who had no land or property wanted their children to grow up as soon as possible so that they could join the army and gain fame.

In the streets and alleys of Linhuang Prefecture, young children had no idea what the adults had been discussing these past two days. They were still running wildly, making the purest laughter of their childhood. Then they saw a long team of guards of a carriage. They bit their fingers and stared at that place in a daze, with envy flashing in their eyes. However, they were all looking at knights on horseback.

The long winding dragon moved slowly, and four of the carriages kicked up dust as they rolled over the dirt road. The rugged road surface caused the carriages to sway slightly. The curtains on both sides of the carriage were lifted, revealing a small face. The girl's pretty appearance made the eyes of many women who saw her shine. However, seeing that the carriage was gorgeous and followed by an army wearing black armor and holding flags in front and behind, they sighed in their hearts.

I don’t know which noble family this lady is from, but she is so beautiful.

The little girl looked outside, then retracted her head back into the carriage, and a clear childish voice rang out: "Mother, Shangjing doesn't look much more prosperous than Liaoyang Prefecture. Do we really want to live here?"

"Call me father." Wu Qing straightened his daughter's clothes and tapped her head: "Your father is already the emperor."

"Then he is not my father?" The little guy's thoughts were not that complicated. He tilted his head and looked at his mother strangely.

Wu Qing smiled and hugged Lu Wen into his arms: "Yes, he is still your father."

The carriage bumped on the road. Wu Qing stretched his head to look outside, then turned to look at Hu Sanniang and Su Jinniang at the back. They looked at each other and smiled.

In recent years, the relationship between the three girls in the palace cannot be said to be better than that of real sisters, but it is much closer than that of ordinary people. Unlike her sister-in-law who is only a widow, the two girls still have brothers and parents alive. They will bring some things back from their natal family to share on weekdays. When they chat with each other, they also know something about each other's family affairs.

The old man of the Hu family had originally been in poor health. Although he had gotten better since the king founded the country, his condition was still deteriorating. He was taking medicine all day long. However, according to Hu Sanniang's retelling, when he learned that Lu Bu was going to ascend the throne and become emperor some time ago, his trembling hands unexpectedly became steady overnight. It was said that he even danced with a knife in the yard twice. Hu Cheng was so scared that he dropped his official duties in broad daylight and ran home to watch over his old father, fearing that something might have happened to him.

Su Jinniang's parents were in good health. When they heard about the plan to become emperor, they just gave her a few instructions and wrote to Su Liang and Su Yi. They acted as if nothing had happened. It was just that the taverns and restaurants run by the Su family were free that night. This spread in Liaoyang Prefecture and became something that ordinary people could not understand. The carriage entered Dashun Gate while Wu Qing was lost in thought. The bluestone road made the carriage move more steadily. The horseshoes with horseshoes fell on it, making a clicking sound.

At some point, the team stopped at the rear hall of the palace.

A eunuch brought a low stool for dismounting, and Wu Qing stepped on it and got down. Just as she was about to turn around to hug Lu Wen, the little guy jumped down, stood there with her hands on her waist, looking at her mother proudly.

"You little monkey."

Wu Qing glared at her helplessly. Several carriages at the back, Hu Sanniang and Su Jinniang came down with their young children in their arms. They put them on the ground and let them stagger to their sister. The older child and the younger child together immediately started playing by themselves, screaming "Ahhh——".

"Be careful."

"Come back and stop making trouble."

The three girls hurriedly called out to each other, causing the three energetic children to turn around and just laugh and play near the carriage.

A moment later, a slender figure jumped down from behind, walked over with a smile, and handed the reins to the guards of the convoy beside her. Qiu Qiongying, who was dressed in red, came over and took Su Jinniang's arm affectionately. She looked at Wu Qing and Hu Sanniang and said, "This is the Shangjing Palace. I wonder when Master will come."

After saying this, he looked at the eunuch who was waiting there.

"Your Majesty will be here soon after finishing his official duties." The eunuch leaned forward and replied carefully, "Your Excellencies, please go in and rest with me first."

The three girls looked at each other, and Wu Qing nodded: "Okay, let's go take a look inside. We may have to live here for a while in the future."

Naturally, the other people would not object. At that moment, the eunuch bent down and led the way in front of the side. While introducing the palace, he secretly looked at the expressions of several people, and there was less worry in their expressions.

In the east side hall, a slender figure paced in the room, then she gritted her teeth and walked out.

……

Royal study room.

Lu Bu put down the pen he was using to review memorials. Having just ascended the throne, there were some things he needed to finalize before they could be done, including some things he wanted to do that he also needed to discuss with others. However, his extensive reading of history books over the years had taught him that nothing could be rushed and that things needed to be done step by step, otherwise it would not be a good idea to follow in the footsteps of Emperor Yang of Sui.

Footsteps sounded, and Yu Cheng came in and clasped his fists: "Your Majesty, the three imperial concubines have arrived at the Wuluan Palace."

"Pretty fast." Lu Bu smiled, stood up and walked out of the table. He looked at Yu Cheng who was still standing with his fists clasped and frowned: "What? Is there anything else?"

"Yes." Yu Cheng took out a note from his bosom and handed it over: "This note from Doctor Qiao said that the Lu family from Xijin Prefecture will be traveling, and I think they are going to come to the capital to pay tribute to His Majesty."

"Show me."

Lu Bu reached out and took the note, glanced at it, and then fell into deep thought. Yu Cheng saw him thinking, opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it again. Although he was rough, he was not stupid. He knew that his status was different now and there were some things he could not say casually.

The newly-appointed emperor looked at him and roughly guessed what he wanted to say. Seeing that he held back, he handed the note back to him with a look of satisfaction in his eyes: "Tell Qiao Lie that there is no need to interfere and just let them come."

Seeing Yu Cheng reaching out to take it, he thought for a moment and said, "If you have any difficulties, you can also lend a hand to help."

"Yes."

Yu Cheng took out a fire starter, blew it twice to burn the paper, and threw it into the copper basin beside the table.

"Let's go, let's go to Wuluan Palace first." Lu Bu walked out with a smile, and said, "By the way, call Yang Zaixing into the palace, so that someone won't blame me for being too heartless in the future."

Yu Cheng held back his laughter and agreed, then asked someone to go out of the palace to the military camp to call for help.

The two of them then walked out of the imperial study.

……

In the Wuluan Palace.

Three children were running around in the house, playing no one knew what games they were playing. Just hearing their shouts of “Ahhh!” and their laughter, the three mothers didn’t pay much attention and just chatted casually.

Qiu Qiongying sat nearby, eating the cakes sent from the palace. When she found something delicious, she took it out and handed it to the three girls to try. If she didn't like it, she threw the ones back on the plate. She planned to have a good talk with her master later and get some better cake chefs to come into the palace.

Time passed, and the three little guys were sweating while playing. From time to time, they ran over to ask for a piece of cake. After Qiongying stuffed it into their mouths, they ran away again.

"Master hasn't come yet."

Patting her sesame-stained hands, Qiu Qiongying looked outside and asked, "Maybe there are too many things to do and I can't come in during the day?"

"That has to wait until His Majesty has dealt with it. Being an emperor means more things to do than being a king." Wu Qing glanced outside, then turned around and smiled to comfort the restless girl: "You just can't stop for a moment. I don't know what your husband will say about you in the future."

"He dares to say that." Qiongying waved her fist: "I'll beat him up so hard that his face will be covered with peach blossoms, and he will be honest."

Su Jinniang chuckled: "You couldn't beat Zaixing two years ago, how can you beat him now?"

Qiu Qiongying's face flushed with anger, and she stamped her feet shyly: "Oh, who said I was going to marry that idiot."

Seeing her like this, the three girls all wanted to tease her, but before they could open their mouths, the eunuch serving outside came in and knelt down to report: "Three nobles, Princess Tianshou is outside."

The four women, three big and one small, were startled. Wu Qing was the quickest to react. She stood up and said, "Please come in."

The eunuch bowed and left immediately. Wu Qing took a deep breath, turned around and looked at the three women sitting there, and said, "Let's go meet Princess Tianshou together. I'm also curious about what a Liao princess looks like."

The three of them nodded, and the four of them were about to go out. However, just as they turned to the table, a pair of gold-painted women's shoes stepped in. Yelu Daribo, dressed in snow-white clothes embroidered with pink plum blossoms, walked into the room. When he saw the four women coming to greet him, he was stunned and opened his mouth, looking as if he didn't know what to say.

Wu Qing looked her up and down, then looked at Hu Sanniang and Su Jinniang, and smiled before saying anything: "You must be Daribo, you are so young, how about we call each other sisters from now on?"

After letting out a sigh of relief, Princess Tianshou bowed awkwardly: "Daribo greets... the three sisters."

The sound is tiny, like a mosquito. (End of this chapter)