To talk about the recent movements of the imperial court, it can really be described as turbulent and thrilling. Since Changxiang ascended the throne and became emperor, the momentum was like a storm, and it was overwhelming. She showed no mercy to those officials who dared to oppose her as emperor, killing those who should be killed, and arresting those who should be arrested.

And the horse with ten thousand words, this former relative of the emperor, in order to avoid responsibility, did not hesitate to cheat death to avoid the limelight. Who would have thought that after Changxiang became the emperor, he would be crowned the emperor, which means the husband of the female emperor. Since then, this emperor of ten thousand words has been like a fish in water in the palace, and he has been arrogant to the extreme. He carried Empress Changxiang on his back and had affairs with hundreds of palace maids, and in the court, it was simply a miasma of smoke and chaos.

However, the extravagance of the Emperor of Ten Thousand Words finally brought retribution. In just half a year, his body suffered from a serious illness and became weaker and weaker. When Empress Changxiang learned about it, she did not order him to be treated, but instead watched him coldly and let him become terminally ill. In the end, this once glorious emperor died miserably in illness, and no one cared about him.

And the Empress Changxiang, although she is a woman, has a belligerent heart. She does not seem to be satisfied with the peace and prosperity at home, but frequently declares war on neighboring countries within a year.

However, when Empress Changxiang decided to wave her troops to the battle, she was shocked to find that there was no one available in the court. Shaoling, the general of the hussars, refused to lead his troops on the grounds that he was busy with official business. And those veteran generals who had made outstanding achievements were either dissatisfied because of old age and infirmity, or because they were dismissed, and they were even more reluctant to go out to help. The empress was anxious, but helpless.

At this critical juncture, the figure of a man flashed in Empress Changxiang's mind - Taihao. She knew that Taihao was strong in martial arts and resourceful, and if she could invite him to go out of the mountains to lead troops to fight, she would definitely be able to turn the tide of the war. So, she ordered to find Tae-ho's whereabouts, hoping that he would serve the country.

After Shaoling heard the news that the empress was looking for Taihao, his heart couldn't help but tighten. He was well aware of Taihao's prestige and ability, and if he really led his troops to the battle, his position would probably be threatened. So, he secretly ordered his subordinates everywhere to stop chasing and killing Taihao, but he did not tell the whereabouts of Empress Taihao of Changxiang.

And Taihao's news in Wurong City was finally found by Empress Changxiang's subordinates. The empress was overjoyed when she learned about it, and immediately sent Yaxi to Wurong City to ask Taihao to come out of the mountain. However, what Yaxi brought back was the news of Taihao's refusal to go on the expedition and a handwritten letter. The empress took the letter, only to see that it read: "Your Majesty, the major affairs of the country are in worship and worship. However, the soldiers, the murder weapon, must not be careless. Between neighboring countries, it is better to make peace than to war. War will cause the people to be miserable, and the lives will be ruined, which is not the way of the king. Therefore, we should think carefully and do not start a war lightly, so as to ensure the peace of the country and the well-being of the people. Chen Taihao, who is determined to serve in all directions, can no longer return to the court to serve, I hope Your Majesty will understand. ”

When the Empress read the letter, she had mixed feelings in her heart. She was disappointed and angry at Tae-ho's rejection, and helpless and confused at his advice. However, she knows that the safety of the country is more important than Mount Tai, and she cannot ignore the country because of personal feelings. So, she put away the letter and began to rethink the future of the country and the necessity of war.

Empress Changxiang sat upright on the dragon chair in the Zichen Palace, her face solemn. She summoned Du Tong, the prime minister of the current court, and told him in detail about the unsuccessful matter of asking Taihao to go out of the mountain, hoping to find a clear way from the wisdom of this courtier.

Du Tong bowed slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke: "Your Majesty, Lord Taihao has set foot in Tubo twice, and he has a great friendship with the Tubo royal family. When it comes to conquering Tibet, he is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate. In the past, Liu Xuande invited Zhuge Kongming out of the mountain, but he still needed to visit the thatched house three times. Let's invite Master Taihao, why not try a few more times? An invitation may not be able to fully demonstrate the sincerity of our dynasty. ”

When Changxiang heard this, his brows furrowed slightly, and there was a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone: "I am the king of a country, and I asked him to go out of the mountain to serve the country, but he pushed back like this. I didn't even investigate his disrespect for me back then, and he was still so ignorant. ”

Du Tong hurriedly persuaded: "Your Majesty is angry, don't mention the events of the year again." As a courtier, he should obey the orders of the reigning emperor. Lord Taihao has his own considerations in his heart, and he is willing to go to Wurong City in person and try again. ”

When Changxiang heard this, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and after pondering for a while, he said slowly: "Dutong Aiqing, you are an important minister in the court, if you are willing to go in person, I will naturally rest assured." Then I bother you to go to Wurong City again, and be sure to ask Taihao to come out of the mountain to help me. ”

On that day, the sun shone on the vast land, Prime Minister Dutong was dressed in a luxurious official robe, leading a team of elite subordinates, and embarked on the road to Wurong City. The sound of their horses' hooves echoed on the silent road, kicking up a cloud of dust, demonstrating the majesty and determination of the imperial court.

And in the distant Wurong City, Taihao's heart has already been flooded with layers of waves. He stood on the roof of the Xu Mansion, looking in the direction of the imperial envoys, his brows furrowed, and his heart was full of complicated emotions. He knew that the call of the court meant that he had to face the strife and intrigue of officialdom again, but he was tired of that kind of life and just wanted to live a peaceful and comfortable life with Xu Yuan.

Despite this, Taihao has not forgotten his identity and responsibility. He still practices martial arts with Xu Yuan every day, his swordsmanship is more powerful, and his body is more elegant. Their relationship is also getting deeper and deeper in getting along day after day, and the tacit understanding and trust between each other has reached a new height.

Seven days later, Prime Minister Dutong and his entourage finally arrived in Wurong City. The lord of the city, Rakuten, personally went out of the city to greet him, and his face was filled with a warm smile, expressing a warm welcome to the arrival of Du Tong.

Du Tong bowed his head slightly to show his gratitude, and then said straight to the point: "Lord Lotte City, this official came here this time to meet Lord Taihao. I wonder where he is now? ”

Lord Lotte replied respectfully, "Lord Prime Minister, the lower officials have learned about this. Lord Taihao is now in the Xu Mansion, and Xia Guan will take you there. ”

With that, the Lotte City Lord led Du Tong and his party in the direction of Xu Mansion. Their steps are firm and powerful, as if they are telling of an important meeting that is coming. And Tai Hao has been waiting in the Xu Mansion for a long time, ready to welcome this important guest from the imperial court.

When the lord of Lotte City and Prime Minister Du Tong arrived at Xu Mansion, Taihao was already waiting at the door, his face was filled with a warm smile, as if he had reunited with an old friend who had not seen him for many years. He stepped forward, exchanged salutes with Du Tong, and then led them into the mansion and into the antechamber.

Seeing this, the lord of Lotte City knew that it was inconvenient for him to stay for a long time, so he respectfully saluted Taihao and Du Tong, and said, "Lord Taihao, Prime Minister Du Tong, the lower official will retire." After saying that, he turned around and left Xu Mansion.

Du Tong looked at the back of Lotte leaving, turned to look at Taihao, and sighed: "Lord Taihao, I haven't seen you for a long time!" I think that we worked together in the DPRK and China, but now it is a matter of fact. ”

Tai Hao smiled: "It's been a long time, but I didn't expect that Lord Dutong is now the prime minister of the imperial court, which is really gratifying." ”

Du Tong waved his hand and said, "This all depends on the trust and promotion of the current emperor." Taihao-sama, what about you? How have the years been? ”

Tai Hao sighed and said, "I'm living a fairly peaceful life, and I practice martial arts with Xu Yu every day, but I'm also at ease." It's just that I often think of all kinds of things back then. ”

When Du Tong heard this, he also fell into deep thought, and he sighed: "Yes, when Emperor Xuanxin was in power, we assisted him in governing the country together, and those days were really unforgettable. It's a pity that Emperor Xuanxin died so suddenly, which made our courtiers feel very sad. ”

Tai Hao frowned slightly, and said, "Did Emperor Xuanxin really die of illness?" I always felt that something was wrong. ”

When Du Tong heard this, his face changed, he looked around, and only after making sure that there was no one did he whisper: "Lord Taihao, it is inconvenient for us to discuss this matter here, let's talk about the purpose of my visit today." ”

Tai Hao shook his head lightly, with a hint of firmness and determination on his face, and said to Du Tong: "Lord Du Tong has come from afar, and I already know my intentions. But my position is still the same as before, and I will not return to that complicated officialdom. ”

Du Tong sighed slightly, a trace of understanding and regret flashed in his eyes, and he said sincerely: "Lord Taihao, I have always been clear about your temperament, and it is because of this that I will come in person and ask you to come out of the mountain to help." ”

Taihao frowned slightly, and asked puzzledly: "Lord Dutong, I have confusion in my heart. Why does Empress Changxiang trust me so much? There are so many military generals in the DPRK and China, why did you choose me, an official who has been far away from the court? ”

Du Tong took a deep breath and said slowly: "Lord Taihao, you are strong in martial arts, wise and brave, which is known to everyone in the court. Your talent and strength are a rare treasure in the DPRK. What's more, you have made two missions to Tibet and established a deep friendship with Tibetan officials, especially the trust of Princess Diaotang. Now that the relationship between the imperial court and Tibet is tense, it is on the verge of breaking out, and with your help, it will undoubtedly greatly increase our chances of winning. That's why Her Majesty the Empress values you so much, and I hope you can come out to help. ”

After hearing this, Tai Hao smiled faintly and said, "Lord Dutong, you really exalt me too much." Although I have some martial arts, I am tired of the strife and intrigue of the court. What I yearn for is the freedom and freedom of the rivers and lakes, and I don't want to be stumped by those cumbersome affairs. ”

When Du Tong heard this, his face showed a hint of disappointment, but he still did not give up, and continued to persuade: "Lord Taihao, I understand your thoughts. But now that the country is in crisis, heroes like you need to step up. Your martial arts and resourcefulness are invaluable assets to the country. I hope you can think about it again, for the sake of the country, for the sake of the people, go out to help. ”

Tai Hao was silent for a moment, and finally shook his head, and said firmly: "Lord Dutong, I understand your kindness. But I've already decided that I'm not going to set foot in the court again. Please go back and tell Her Majesty that I appreciate her kindness, but I really can't go back to being an official. ”

Du Tong slowly stood up, but his footsteps did not move towards the door. His gaze wandered around the antechamber, as if searching for something, as if recalling the past. He sighed lightly and said, "Lord Taihao, you are in the rivers and lakes, but you also have to face the grievances and hatreds in the rivers and lakes. I know that over the years, there have been many knights who have been looking for you for various reasons, wanting to take your life. But have you noticed that in the past three months, those chivalrous people who pick quarrels and provoke troubles seem to have disappeared? ”

When Tai Hao heard this, his eyebrows raised slightly, he naturally noticed this, but he did not delve into the reason. He said lightly: "Lord Dutong, since you know these things, you should also know who wants to kill me. ”

Du Tong nodded, a complicated expression appeared on his face, and said, "I have indeed heard of it. Lord Taihao, you are strong in martial arts and resourceful, but the rivers and lakes are sinister and people's hearts are unpredictable. Now, I'm afraid that the only one who can really protect you is Her Majesty. ”

When Tai Hao heard this, he couldn't help laughing, and his laughter revealed a bit of disdain and ridicule. He shook his head and said, "I didn't expect that I was too hao, and I needed to let a female streamer protect me." What a great irony! ”

Du Tong looked at Taihao, and a trace of helplessness and regret flashed in his eyes. He knew that Taihao's personality was stubborn and would not change his mind easily. But he also knows that Taihao is now in danger, and if he is not protected, he is afraid that his life will be worried. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Lord Taihao, I understand your thoughts. But think about it calmly, your situation is not optimistic right now. Those who want to kill you, their power is huge, and their methods are ruthless. On your own, I'm afraid it won't be able to deal with it. And Her Majesty the Empress, although she is a woman, her wisdom and skill are unmatched. She sincerely hopes that you can come out to help, not only for the country, but also for yourself. ”

Taihao listened to Du Tong's words, and his heart couldn't help but ripple. He knew that his situation was indeed not good, but he also knew that once he stepped into the court, it meant that he would be involved in those complicated disputes again. He was silent for a moment, and finally said slowly: "Lord Dutong, I understand your kindness. But I still have to stick to my own ideas and never go back to being an official. ”

Seeing this, Du Tong no longer insisted on it. He knew that Taihao needed time to think about this problem, so he arched his hand and said, "Lord Taihao, then I won't bother." You don't have to keep rejecting my requests, but consider Her Majesty's offer carefully. I will stay in the city for three days, waiting for your reply. Within three days, I hope to get an answer that satisfies me. After saying that, he turned around and left Xu Mansion.

Three days later, the sky was slightly bright, and Wurong City was still immersed in tranquility. Prime Minister Du Tong came to Xu Mansion again, his steps firm and powerful, with a trace of unquestionable perseverance on his face. However, when he saw Taihao, he found that the other party still insisted on not going out of the mountain to become an official, and this determination seemed to be stronger than last time.