Chapter 14: A Heart Unburdened, Unburdened Indeed!

“One hundred thousand?!” Murong Yun exclaimed in shock, his gaze instinctively settling on Tang Yu with a look of confusion. How could he have no knowledge of such a massive conscription? Ye Yue’s beautiful eyes were filled with astonishment, utterly stunned by the number. One had to know, the entire Great Xia currently possessed only a few hundred thousand deployable soldiers. To conscript a hundred thousand at once—what did that mean? It was equivalent to drafting a fifth of the nation’s military strength! That would be more than enough to deal with the Southern Barbarians.

The Southern Barbarian envoy stood rooted to the spot like a statue, his face paling in an instant. “So, do you think it matters whether you return or not? The Southern Barbarians—I will subdue them sooner or later.” Tang Yu was thoroughly satisfied with the envoy’s expression, his heart filled with delight. Did they really think they could trample him beneath their feet? If he hadn’t indulged in neglecting state affairs for the past few years, allowing Su Li to gain some advantage, the envoy would have already lost his head. Now, the Southern Barbarians dared come to intimidate him? Impossible.

The conscription had been part of his plan all along. With so many vagrants in Great Xia, as long as he promised food, clothing, and shelter, there would be no shortage of volunteers. An order sent to every county—even if the news hadn’t reached all corners, word of mouth spread quickly, drawing crowds in droves. From what he understood, the Southern Barbarians numbered no more than two hundred thousand. With the addition of the newly conscripted forces, Great Xia could field five hundred thousand. The disparity was enormous; the odds overwhelmingly in their favor.

With overwhelming numbers and the Art of War and Thirty-Six Stratagems from his modern mind, Tang Yu was confident he could not only intimidate but utterly annihilate the Southern Barbarians if he wished.

The envoy was completely lost in despair. In the next instant, his legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground. This turn of events was far beyond anything he had anticipated.

Tang Yu laughed heartily, waving his sleeve. “Attend me! The Southern Barbarian envoy is pale and weak. Take him away.” He then turned to leave, leaving the others to continue their meal.

Winding through the narrow palace paths, Tang Yu ordered Murong Yun to keep a respectful distance of ten meters, trailing behind, leaving only Ye Yue and Su Huan at his side. In excellent spirits, he couldn’t help but sigh, “The scenery within the palace truly is beautiful.”

As he spoke, several palace maids hid around a corner, peeking out at the emperor with blushing faces, the very picture of youthful infatuation. “His Majesty is so handsome! They say he’s a foolish ruler, but I don’t believe it. Today in the Hall of Harmony, his words were sharp and witty!” “I heard His Majesty has yet to take a concubine. If only I could—my good days would be just ahead!” “With an emperor this handsome, you’d better not even dream about it.”

Their whispered conversation drifted to Tang Yu’s ears, putting him in an even better mood. Though he hadn’t inherited even a tenth of his predecessor’s good looks, he was not unattractive. If he weren’t so foolish and muddled, perhaps he could have earned the title of the Handsome Emperor in the annals of history.

Ye Yue’s brow furrowed, and she shot a fierce glare at the two bold palace maids, who quickly fell silent.

Tang Yu coughed, “Ahem, Ye Yue, they’re only speaking casually—no need to take it seriously. But I do have only Consort Su; it’s true that’s rather few.” He met Ye Yue’s murderous gaze and coughed again. “Still, I have to father children at some point, don’t I?”

“Your Majesty, you just promised me—no indulgence or neglecting your duties!” Ye Yue was not about to relax her vigilance. She was determined to stick to Tang Yu’s side day and night, unwilling to let their hard-won hope slip away again.

Tang Yu rolled his eyes, inwardly distressed. He was a man, after all—how could he be expected to endure such restraint?

But, changing the subject, he asked, “Su Huan, that man in court earlier, about your age—early twenties—do you know him?”

He paid close attention to the court officials. Though the man was somewhat undisciplined and lacked the bearing of an official, his words had been sharp and incisive—a bit reminiscent of Wei Zheng from the Tang dynasty. With such a person at his side, like a sharp sword, he could always remain vigilant. Even as a modern soul in a foreign body, Tang Yu was well aware of the throne’s temptations; over time, it was easy to be blinded by them. He longed for a loyal man with no powerful family ties, one who dared to speak his mind.

Su Huan looked troubled and asked tentatively, “Your Majesty, are you considering recruiting him? To be honest, his name is Su Qi, my fellow townsman. He holds a minor post in the Ministry of Works. If I may be bold, Su Qi is like a stone by the latrine—stubborn and foul-tempered. He’s learned, but still…” He recounted their past as classmates. Both had excelled in their examinations, Su Qi gaining favor with a powerful patron and entering officialdom, but his eccentricity and disregard for fame or gain had led to ostracism by Su Li and his faction. Now, Su Qi spent his days drinking and frequenting brothels and pleasure quarters. Frankly, he wasn’t cut out to be an official, though he had real talent.

Tang Yu smiled faintly, unconvinced. At the very least, based on what he’d just witnessed, this man’s dissolute lifestyle was clearly due to his discontent with the current state of Great Xia. His heart, at least, remained loyal to the realm.

“I like taming wild horses, especially prickly ones. Make arrangements—I want to visit those pleasure quarters in a few days and see for myself!” Tang Yu laughed heartily. This was a splendid opportunity.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Su Huan replied, taking his leave.

Seeing there was no one else around, Tang Yu turned to Ye Yue. Her face was already flushed with anger, but she could not retort. “Heh, my dear wife, you’re not angry, are you? I’m not indulging myself—I’m tending to business!”

There was little imperial dignity in his tone—just a rascal through and through. But the thought of beauties in his arms, each calling him “my lord,” sent a thrill through him. This was a man’s paradise! Tang Yu shot Murong Yun a look only another man could understand, hinting that he’d bring him along in a few days.

Murong Yun shuddered, bowing his head quickly. He was too old to survive such escapades.

…

Meanwhile, late at night, the vast palace was silent as the grave. A figure dressed in black slipped past the patrolling guards, making for the deepest part of the palace dungeons. Following a secret passage, the figure soon reached a cell, where Consort Su sat upright in her prison garb. Despite her days in captivity, she looked not a bit disheveled; if anything, she seemed even more radiant.

Consort Su’s eyes snapped open, her gaze chilling as she asked, “How did matters proceed outside?”

The black-clad figure knelt, pulling off his mask to reveal a long, thin scar marring his face. “All loose ends have been tied up, my lady. The master sent me to bring you out. The young emperor, for reasons unknown, has changed his ways—swiftly purging many of the master’s confidants. It took all my skill to reach the dungeon tonight.”

He dared not meet her gaze, his heart long acquainted with her ruthless reputation. Once, a servant had offended her and was flayed alive before a crowd.

A flicker of venom flashed in Consort Su’s eyes. Her hatred for Tang Yu was boundless, especially toward Ye Yue! Even from within her cell, she remained well-informed of events beyond its walls.

“A noble consort, reduced to a stray dog? That dog of an emperor, Ye Yue—I want you both dead!”