sbdcsierra Chapter 368 Is His Majesty in the city?
Chapter 368 Is His Majesty in the city?
Zhu Si and Meng Benbo exchanged a glance, both looking puzzled. Finally, Zhu Si, the fat man, said with experience, "No need to think about it, it's definitely a woman's special period! My tigress is like that!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Meng Benbo burst into laughter.
Not long after, the sound of cold hooves broke the silence of the long night. The Minister of Works, who had hurriedly left home, had already mounted his horse, Tafeng, and galloped into the vast and cold night, covered in the biting rain and snow.
As the night deepened, the land of Nanzhou fell into silence.
On the official road leading to the south gate of Hanyang City on the border of the Liao Dynasty, a fine horse galloped through the swirling snowflakes. The rapid hoofbeats echoed in the cold snowy night, breaking the silence and desolation of the night.
The tightly closed south gate of Hanyang, bathed in the swirling snow, suddenly opened slowly. Two rows of guards rushed out of the city and lined up neatly on both sides of the gate. They addressed the cloaked figure who was walking through the snow with reverence and piety, saying, "Welcome back to the city, Your Majesty!"
The cloaked figure on horseback galloped into the city without stopping for a moment, passing through a wide passageway and soon arriving at the gate of a tall mansion.
"His Majesty!"
As soon as he saw Di Beizun, Xu Gonggong, who had been waiting outside the door for a long time, rushed to greet him.
"Long live the Emperor!"
The waiting guards also knelt down, their faces filled with reverence.
Di Beizun firmly reined in his horse, glanced down at the crowd, then nimbly dismounted, handed the riding whip to the guard beside him, and strode into the courtyard.
"Order all guards to withdraw, and all secret guards to retreat to a distance of three zhang (approximately 10 meters) from the mansion."
Emperor Beizun strode up the steps in front of the door, coldly issuing his orders.
Eunuch Xu was taken aback, while the captain of the guard beside him nodded in response without daring to question, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, hot water and dinner are ready. You must be tired from your journey. Please wash up first before having dinner!"
Eunuch Xu followed cautiously and spoke in a low voice.
"Have the kitchen prepare more good dishes and keep them warm. I will order you to serve the food, and then you can prepare more. You don't need to serve anyone; you may all leave."
Having traveled all night, Di Beizun was also somewhat exhausted. His deep voice carried a hint of coldness, and his shoulders were still covered with a few snowflakes.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After giving that reply, Eunuch Xu silently withdrew.
This afternoon, we suddenly received news from the Jiangxi fortress that His Majesty was returning to the city. They were busy all afternoon and evening preparing the delicacies His Majesty had asked them to prepare, such as "Golden Jade Chicken" and "Golden Roast Suckling Pig," as well as their Great Zhou's finest Daughter's Red wine and many other dishes and wines.
Eunuch Xu was puzzled. Wasn't His Majesty always known for his light palate? How could his tastes have suddenly changed? The whole table was filled with super meaty dishes, very heavy on the flavor!
Of course, Eunuch Xu dared not ask His Majesty directly, much less question His Majesty's decree. He could only instruct the kitchen to prepare properly. When the cooks in the kitchen asked in confusion, Eunuch Xu could only roll his eyes at them.
At the same time, outside the north gate of Hanyang City.
Lord Sikong braved the rain and snow, rushing towards Hanyang City overnight. By the time he arrived at the city gate, his cloak was soaked through, and he was starving and freezing. All he wanted was to get into the city quickly, find a place to take a hot bath, have a good meal, and then get a good night's sleep.
"Brothers upstairs, greetings. I am an envoy sent by Lord Jin, Minister of Works of the Great Yong Dynasty. This is my credentials. Could you please open the city gate?"
Lord Sikong reined in his horse, sat down, and reached out to pull off the phoenix jade pendant from his neck.
Hearing the voice, several soldiers on the city wall immediately craned their necks to look down from the city gate. Upon seeing who it was, a joyful voice immediately rang out—
"Oh? Lord Sikong! It's you!"
The person upstairs recognized Lord Sikong at a glance, which startled Lord Sikong. He looked up at the person speaking in surprise, confirming that he had no recollection of him at all. He raised his eyebrows and looked at the person on the city wall with great confusion.
The man smiled and said, "My lord, I am the one who opened the gate for you at the capital last time. You must not remember me!"
"Someone, quickly open the door for Lord Sikong!"
Before Lord Sikong could react, the man led several soldiers and rushed down from the city wall.
Upon hearing this, Lord Sikong couldn't help but touch his chin—was she really that handsome? So unforgettable after just one glance?
However, before she could think too much about it, she heard a heavy thud as the city gate opened. The soldier came out and stopped in front of Lord Sikong, bowing respectfully. "Lord Sikong, His Majesty instructed before leaving the city that you may enter freely. The best food in the city is at the City Lord's Mansion, which also has a natural hot spring. You can see the City Lord's Mansion by turning left at the second corner after crossing this main street!"
Lord Sikong was quite surprised upon hearing this.
How could this soldier know her true intentions at that moment?
And you even said these things to her?
After thinking it over, I realized that it was probably not this soldier's idea, but rather Emperor Beizun's!
"Is His Majesty in the city now? Does he know I'm coming?"
After thinking for a moment, Lord Sikong suddenly asked.
"This humble general dares not presume to know His Majesty's thoughts. His Majesty gave these instructions before leaving the city. With the wind and snow raging outside, Lord Sikong, you should enter the city first!"
The soldier said respectfully.
A strange feeling flashed through Lord Sikong's mind—
Why did she have this feeling that Di Beizun had dug another trap for her? How could he be so certain that she would come to Hanyang City? And why did he give her such special instructions?
However, since he was so sincere, she couldn't possibly refuse him. After all, she was also looking to settle accounts with him properly. She just didn't know if he was in the city right now.
Thinking it over, Lord Sikong didn't linger. He spurred his horse and galloped into the city, muttering to himself, "Is it the second left turn on this street?"