Chapter 701 - 210: The Emperor Sits on the Bright Terrace, Watching Success and Failure from Afar

Chapter 701: Chapter 210: The Emperor Sits on the Bright Terrace, Watching Success and Failure from Afar

Li Yuan responded with a sound.

Immediately, Xie Wei ordered the maid to prepare warm water, then dismissed the maid, and gently approached, tenderly undressing Li Yuan, then pulling off her own belt, revealing a body as soft as white lamb fat.

They both entered the large bathtub together.

Xie Wei served Li Yuan with meticulous care, then turned her body, hooking Li Yuan’s neck, and whispered, "Your Majesty, thank you for sparing my life that day."

This abrupt remark did not surprise Li Yuan.

He had an inkling and had already guessed why the sister-in-law chose this moment to reveal her cards.

The fall of the Imperial Capital seemed imminent, and thus... this powerful figure who had infiltrated the Xie Mansion seemed to have accomplished his goal.

But his true intention, Xie Wei could not fathom.

So, at this moment, she wholeheartedly served him, bringing him the greatest comfort, and then, as their skins touched, intimate and inseparable, she directly unveiled her hand, asking this question.

Li Yuan merely pondered briefly and said, "I am unwell, and once I sit back on the Dragon Throne, I can no longer manage the state affairs...

At that time, everything will burden the Empress. It’s just a pity that my Jade Seal is missing. If it were still here, the Jade Seal should be entrusted to the Empress."

Xie Wei’s breath became rapid.

She let out a soft moan, having received this promise and asked no more.

As long as this senior’s intention was not on the throne, then he would remain her man.

But if it were mere deceitful lies, then she could only take it one step at a time...

A faint shadow flickered in Xie Wei’s eyes, but it was immediately drowned by the flames of desire.

The warm water in the tub was ignited, producing a rustling sound that echoed back and forth in the spacious quiet room.

...

...

The indulgence with Xie Wei slightly alleviated Li Yuan’s sense of failure from "cultivation failure."

He had come to realize that, in fact, "immortality" was his most terrifying talent.

Failure is just failure; as long as he remained in a relatively safe position, as long as he could live long enough, there would always be chances to acquire those things he couldn’t have now.

Moreover, it was his "Little Cotton Pajamas" who slapped him in the face; why should he be sad about that?

Understanding this, Li Yuan felt cheerful again.

Within a few days, he donned armor and rode out with the Flying Bear Army, Hanzhou Iron Cavalry, and various forces.

By this time, the great battle was nearing its end.

The Nine Paths Alliance Army surrounded Jade Capital from all directions.

Protected tightly within tens of thousands of troops, this Emperor was practically unreachable, not even a fly could get through.

This reminded Li Yuan of when he assassinated the previous Emperor.

Back then, wasn’t the Emperor also under such tight protection?

But what of it?

Now, the assassin who killed the Emperor was enjoying the Emperor’s treatment.

’I wonder if any assassin will come to take my life,’ Li Yuan mused with some curiosity, as he sat in the central tent, deliberately presenting an image of a wise ruler, with no beauties by his side nor fine wines in front of him.

Just then, footsteps could be heard at a distance, and a burly figure hurried over—it was Xie Feng.

After dismissing others, Xie Feng dutifully paid his respects to Li Yuan, then approached, whispering, "Your Majesty, I am worried about an assassination attempt and thus plan to use a decoy strategy."

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan understood, and he said in a deep voice, "General, stay calm, do as you should."

Soon, a fake Emperor sat in the central army tent, while Li Yuan changed into a Deputy General’s outfit and moved to a tent at the edge.

In the tent, Li Yuan sat cross-legged, murmuring to himself: ’Truly, my brother-in-law has cut off my last chance of a successful assassination...

An Emperor might not have the luxury of pretense on a wedding night required by an alliance marriage, but within a military camp, it’s entirely feasible.’

Days later...

The Nine Paths Alliance Army launched their assault.

In just a few days, Jade Capital crumbled.

The city was on the verge of falling.

And that night, the sky was filled with heavy snowfall.

Within the camp, the fire in the braziers blazed, casting a swaying domain of light in the darkness.

Rows of figures bearing spears moved to the sound of clashing metal scales, patrolling continuously.

...

Midnight soon arrived.

Li Yuan was resting in the camp when he suddenly felt a loud explosion from the central camp, soon followed by the gathering of troops, and an aura of killing intent congregated like rivers flowing into the sea.

The sounds of fierce battle came from afar, but they quickly returned to silence.

Li Yuan sat inside the tent as if nothing had happened.

The most "terrifying" attack he encountered was the outside noise lifting his tent flap slightly.

After a moment, a young officer in black armor entered, kneeling before him, and respectfully reported: "General Xie asked me to report to Your Majesty that Sect Leader Peng Chao of the Red Lotus Sect and sixty-two powerful members have been decapitated, all perished in battle."

There was pride and joy in his tone.

Peng Chao had been the chief instigator of chaos across the land.

This man had driven away the Emperor and declared himself the Red Lotus Crown Prince.

Yet, on this snowy night, he met his end in battle.

Li Yuan asked, "And what of my substitute?"

The young officer’s joy slightly diminished as he gloomily replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, he... he was killed by Peng Chao."

Having said that, both fell silent.

Li Yuan spoke in a grave voice, "Give him a grand burial."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The young officer took a deep breath and respectfully withdrew.

The tent flaps opened slightly, letting in the outer cold wind and snow of the lunar month.

Li Yuan walked to the door, looking out to the distance.

In his perception, the central tent had become a crater filled with lotus petals, with poison smoke wafting, blood flowing, and severed limbs lying shattered.