vrcanaries Chapter 499 Imperial Ambition
Chapter 499 Imperial Ambition
Lan Qingwu should have realized earlier that the Shenwu Emperor was simply waiting for the right moment. The Shenwu Emperor had never seriously concealed his warlike nature. For decades, he practiced and performed martial arts daily, going hunting in Qiling Mountain almost monthly to hone his skills. He never relaxed his defenses along the border, western border, and coastal areas, having begun frequently deploying and rotating defenses several years ago. He even cultivated his heir into a crown prince with both civil and military prowess.
The emperor's ambition was clear, but Lan Qingwu was still stunned. The murderous aura in the Emperor's eyes had not completely dissipated. "Sooner or later, I will conquer the world!"
Emperor Shenwu looked at Lan Qingwu and reached out to take her delicate white hand. "What's wrong? You're still in a daze!"
Lan Qingwu shook his head gently: "Brother Heng, I feel that the name 'Feng Hou Qin' doesn't sound good. Can you change it?"
Emperor Shenwu pondered for a moment and said, "Then I'll call it 'Fengwu'. What do you think?"
Lan Qingwu was startled: "Which Wu?"
The Shenwu Emperor's phoenix eyes flickered. "Of course it's the 'Wu' in Lan Qingwu! How about this? Let future generations know that this Dragon and Phoenix Dual Lute originated with me and my Queen!"
Lan Qingwu smiled sweetly: "This is the Fengwuqin that Your Majesty made for Ruo Ruo!"
The emperor and empress's boat gradually sailed away, and the people on the lake finally had the leisure to appreciate the beautiful scenery.
The Crown Princess looked around and took a special look at the boat where Concubine Jiang was. After the Queen left, it seemed that it was her turn to take charge of the situation, but the next moment Concubine Jiang stood up from the boat. She was neither hurried nor slow, neither humble nor arrogant, and arranged everything in just a moment.
The Crown Princess's face was somewhat grim. Although she was a junior, she still considered herself more noble than the concubines of Emperor Shenwu. The head palace maid hurriedly tugged at her master's sleeve and whispered, "Crown Princess, His Majesty has personally issued an order ordering Concubine Jiang to take charge!"
The Crown Princess paused and felt deflated. She secretly blamed herself for why her mother-in-law Lan Qingwu did not take her, her own daughter-in-law, to manage the affairs of the six palaces, so that she could become familiar with the affairs of the six palaces as soon as possible and it would be convenient for her to take power in the future.
The Crown Princess had never considered that this was to protect the Crown Prince and his wife. While the Emperor was still alive, did the daughter-in-law want to reach out and get involved in the Emperor's harem? If the Crown Princess intervened, wouldn't she also insert her own people? The Emperor Shenwu wasn't just a decoration. How could he remain indifferent over time?
On the contrary, the Emperor Shenwu is very strong and ruthless, but he will not use his methods on the heir he carefully cultivated! The same cannot be said for the Crown Princess!
It is not easy to be a crown prince. At this time, the couple needs to be appropriately low-key and humble, so that they can last long.
The emperor's suspicion is never just talk. At this time, it still belongs to Emperor Shenwu and his six palaces. An emperor will never allow anyone to interfere in his territory!
If Lan Qingwu knew what the Crown Princess was thinking at this moment, he would also call her an idiot!
Emperor Shenwu and Lan Qingwu were strolling around casually. During the stroll, Lan Qingwu felt that his formal attire was too heavy and luxurious, so he quietly went to change his clothes.
When Emperor Shenwu came to the pavilion to rest, the Xuanyu Guards stood in a semi-surrounding position under the pavilion, so that people could tell from afar that the emperor was staying there.
Lan Qingwu had been gone for quite some time. Emperor Shenwu was in high spirits at the moment and kept asking Li Xiang, "Has the Queen not arrived yet?"
The number of boats on the lake dwindled, and everyone, having traveled extensively, went ashore one after another. The palace maids and eunuchs, both on the shore and in the lake, who knew how to swim, stood ready, fearing that something might happen to the pampered ladies. Fortunately, everything went smoothly! Imperial Concubine Jiang also breathed a sigh of relief, though she still secretly resented the Emperor Shenwu for kidnapping the Empress mid-journey and leaving her with such a mess!
I clearly want to have a good time today!
Imperial Concubine Jiang resigned herself to her fate and led the Crown Princess and the other ladies to admire the beautiful scenery. However, the emperor's obvious presence could not be ignored. Imperial Concubine Jiang gave the Crown Princess a look and said, "Greetings to His Majesty and the Empress first!"
Everyone agreed, so most of the women went to the octagonal pavilion again.
However, when they arrived at the octagonal pavilion, they were stopped by the commander of the Xuanyu Guard. Concubine Jiang had no choice but to take the Crown Princess to the pavilion to pay their respects, while the rest of the people could only wait at the foot of the pavilion.
Emperor Shenwu heard light footsteps in the pavilion and thought it was Lan Qingwu returning. He turned around and said, "Weak..."
The Crown Princess was practically stunned on the spot, but Imperial Concubine Jiang's expression remained unchanged as she bowed and saluted, "Your Majesty, may you be well. The Crown Princess and I have brought everyone here to pay our respects to Your Majesty!"
Everyone under the pavilion knelt silently on the ground.
When encountering the emperor, even if they did not ask him to pay his respects, they could not ignore the etiquette and rules.
Emperor Shenwu waved his hand nonchalantly: "Go down!"
This is what it means to let them have fun! Imperial Concubine Jiang wasn't surprised or reluctant to leave. After thanking him, she turned around and prepared to leave. The Crown Princess realized who the Emperor Shenwu was calling, and her expression suddenly became subtle. However, she was so distracted that she was half a beat late in greeting and taking her leave, causing Imperial Concubine Jiang to glance at her.
At this moment, Lan Qingwu changed into light clothes and slowly walked up the stairs!