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Dugu Qialo couldn't help but laugh, "It's a truth even a child understands, yet some people still don't. Without me, how could they have achieved their prominence over the years?"
Li Jian Cheng knew she was referring to the Duke of Qi, Gao Shan, but he didn't respond; he simply lowered his head and stopped in his tracks.
"Do you really think I should apologize? But it is not This Palace that has done wrong!"
"Your Highness, if this stalemate continues, in time the Emperor may turn his guilt into resentment. Sometimes, showing weakness can actually give you the upper hand."
Dugu Qialo looked deeply at Li Jian Cheng and said, "Just like you? You know that enduring for a moment can earn me your trust."
"When I was young, I heard my grandmother say that the Heavenly Origin Emperor, Yuwen Yun, was known for his violent temper and unpredictable moods. It was Your Highness who bore humiliation and took the initiative to apologize during a crisis, even going so far as to kneel until blood flowed from your forehead to protect your family. That is what led to the great achievements that transformed the world and established the current Kaihuang era. Did you not understand that back then? Have you forgotten it now?"
Dugu Qialo steadied herself against the railing and looked intently at Li Jian Cheng. "I am nearing my sixties. I have devoted my life to him. Must I continue to endure humiliation for him at this point?"
"You may not do it for His Majesty, but can you not do it for the Sui Dynasty's State and Dynasty? How much of your blood and tears are invested here? And several princes still need you."
"Your Highness, you are not an ordinary woman of the inner chambers; you are the Founding Empress. You have a sense of duty and love for your country. The Emperor is becoming increasingly tyrannical; without your counsel, how can this prosperous era continue?"
Dugu Qialo felt as if some strength had been infused into her body, or perhaps Li Jian Cheng's words had provided her with a good stepping stone—a reason for herself.
"Let’s go; follow me to see His Majesty."
"Yes."
Li Jian Cheng followed behind the Queen as they walked to Ren Shou Palace. Yang Jian, who had already received word of their arrival, came out to greet them, looking somewhat flustered.
Dugu Qialo's heart ached as she saw the Emperor's dark circles and weary spirit. She bowed her head respectfully and knelt down. "This servant is jealous; please punish me, Your Majesty."
Yang Jian was startled and took a step back, speechless. Seeing this, Li Jian Cheng also knelt down and said, "This humble servant has disobeyed Sovereign Father and has been restless day and night; I humbly ask for punishment."
Yang Jian snapped back to reality but had no mind to address him. He hurriedly helped Dugu Qialo up and whispered, "No, no! How could I blame you? It's good that you're not angry anymore."
Tears streamed down Dugu Qialo's face uncontrollably, while Yang Jian's eyes also reddened. Decades of companionship had long since become inseparable; although he felt some dissatisfaction with how much control the Queen exerted over him, he had never stopped loving her.
Yet for some reason, it felt as if there was still a layer of distance between them…
After seeing the Emperor, Li Jian Cheng had no time to attend to others and quietly stepped back. Just as he took his long spear and stood firm, a eunuch hurried over. "Li Langjun, His Majesty has reinstated you as the Bodyguard of the Thousand Cattle, promoting you to the position of Assistant Cavalry Attendant, with a reward of one hundred taels of gold and a thousand bolts of silk."
The Assistant Cavalry Attendant was a fifth-rank position, responsible for advising on regulations and mistakes within the court, serving as an advisor to the Emperor. When outside, they would ride alongside the Emperor, thus being a scattered official—an increase in rank without real power.
Li Jian Cheng respectfully thanked the Emperor's grace. The attendants around him were already bewildered; hadn't he just been punished with lashes half a month ago? How could he suddenly be promoted again, and with such generous rewards?
Truly worthy of the Li Clan Nobility; fortunately, he had not offended anyone.
Once the eunuch announced the decree and left, one clever attendant approached. "My Lord, please wait a moment; I will fetch your armor right away."
"Thank you for your hard work."
"My Lord is too kind."
The others quickly congratulated him. Meanwhile, in the Guard Room, Gao Rui and others received the news and hurried out to clasp their hands in greeting. "Jian Cheng, we too have our difficulties to express."
Li Jian Cheng smiled and replied, "I certainly understand. If it weren't for my brothers' support, how could I have reached this day? After my shift ends, please join me at Cangxia Tower for drinks."
Yuwen Shi from Duke of Bao's household added, "For such a joyous occasion, how could you host us? Let me arrange a banquet to celebrate; Jian Cheng, you must not refuse."
"Haha, then I shall let Yuwen Sanlang bear the expense."
The others hinted that their recent neglect of Li Jian Cheng was due to the Queen's suggestion rather than their own intentions. They were all old friends and relatives; tonight they would drink well and make amends, asking him not to hold any grudges.
Li Jian Cheng naturally would not offend anyone. He had endured lashes; what was a little coldness compared to that? These were all core members of the Guanlong Aristocrat family; maintaining good relations would be beneficial in the future and could save him from many unjust accusations.
They returned to the Guard Room together, seated down to drink tea and chat until it was time for their shifts to change. Yang Jishan and Dou Dan had already arrived early upon hearing the news, creating quite a lively atmosphere.
A few stayed behind for duty while the others left the palace with their respective servants directly heading to Cangxia Tower. By this time, the top floor had already been booked out; they settled on the second floor for their feast.
The main dish was a Mutton Feast. Several Barbarians carried a large wooden platter into the hall, featuring a whole roasted lamb steaming with aroma. Yuwen Shiji stepped forward with a short knife to carve open the lamb's belly, revealing several roasted geese inside. He took one out and presented it before Li Jian Cheng.
Li Jian Cheng accepted the knife and sliced open the goose's belly, revealing steaming pigeon meat mixed with glutinous rice inside—exuding an incredibly fragrant aroma.
The others each took their share, while the Roast Whole Lamb was carried away to be dealt with by the Servants and Guardians.
Additionally, there was a dish of sliced fish, served in thin strands and accompanied by chopped scallions, mustard, fermented black beans, garlic paste, and orange zest.
…………
Early the next morning, they rushed to the palace for the court meeting. After changing out of their armor and into embroidered robes, they stood guard at the Eternal Alley City Gate, waiting for the Emperor's arrival.
The Emperor and Empress arrived together, holding ceremonial tablets and wearing Waist Blades as they followed behind. Yuan Shibin led the way, carrying the Qian Niu Dao.
After entering the court, they lined up on either side of the Emperor's Imperial Throne, listening to the proceedings.
Today’s main agenda was to reward the officials for their great victory over the Turkic forces. This campaign was led by Han Wang and Yang Liang as Marshals, with Duke of Yue, Yang Su leading from Lingzhou (now southwest of Ningxia's Lingwu), Minister of Rites Left Chancellor Gao Shan coming from Shuo Prefecture (now Shuo County in Shanxi), and Grand Minister Yan Rong advancing from Youzhou (now southwest of Beijing), all attacking the Turkic forces from three directions.
Han Wang did not personally attend the front lines; the main credit went to Gao Shan and Yang Su, who decisively defeated Datou Khan and Dulankhan's over a hundred thousand cavalry. Tuli Khan also descended south to surrender to Sui Dynasty and was granted the title of Qimin Khan, becoming a vassal of the Sui Dynasty.
However, strangely enough, the Emperor showed no intention of rewarding Duke of Qi Gao Shan. Perhaps it was because there were no titles left to grant or rewards to bestow. After praising both men, he bestowed Yang Su with twenty thousand bolts of silk and a treasure belt with ten thousand nails. He appointed Yang Su's son Yang Xuangan as General, while Yang Xuan, Yang Zong, and Yang Jishan were all honored with ceremonial titles.
The General held a third-rank official position, while those with ceremonial titles held a fourth-rank official position. This reflected the prominence of their families; the Yang Family was notable, but even more so was the Gao Family. Duke of Qi Gao Shan's youngest son already held the title of Duke of Longxi.
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