From cute to empress

Chapter 198 Power Game

Golden sunlight shone on the triumphant troops, their armor gleaming brightly, their steeds marching with joyful steps. I rode my beloved warhorse at the front of the procession, accompanied by Zhen Youcai, his face a touch of fatigue, but more of the joy of victory.

The streets were packed with people, spontaneously lining the streets in a welcoming atmosphere. The cheers and the beating of gongs and drums were deafening. Looking at the faces brimming with joy and admiration, a warmth welled up in my heart. Zhen Youcai, countless other soldiers, and I had fought bloody battles for this moment. Now, we have finally ushered in true peace.

Back at the palace, before I had time to rest, a palace attendant arrived to report that the enemy king had come in person to sue for peace. Zhen Youcai and I exchanged a smile. It seemed this battle had completely shattered the enemy's arrogance and made them understand the value of peace.

Inside the palace, the enemy king, shrugging off his usual arrogance, dressed in plain clothes, saluted me humbly. "Your Majesty, I have come to express our sincerest apologies and to implore you to sign a peace treaty with our nation, never to fight again."

Prime Minister Li and others were filled with righteous indignation and suggested teaching the enemy a lesson. Only Minister Wang remained calm. He stroked his beard and gave me a meaningful look.

Of course I understand that victory in a war does not represent everything. Only by truly letting go of hatred and respecting each other can we achieve lasting peace.

"I understand your intentions," I said calmly. "I can agree to sign a peace agreement with your country, but only if you promise not to invade our territory from now on and maintain friendly relations with us for generations to come."

When the enemy king heard this, a look of joy appeared on his face. He agreed to my conditions without hesitation and signed the peace agreement on the spot.

As night fell, I hosted a banquet for the enemy king. As we drank, I noticed his gaze drifting from time to time towards Princess Zhao, who was sitting next to me. Princess Zhao seemed to sense his gaze, and a blush crept into her cheeks.

Zhen Youcai and I exchanged a knowing look. Perhaps this would be a new beginning...

The atmosphere at the banquet was warm and harmonious, as if the previously tense relationship between the two countries had completely vanished. Princess Zhao interacted frequently with the enemy king's brother, her eyes revealing an unconcealed affection. I nodded inwardly. It seemed that this political marriage had indeed resulted in a happy marriage.

A few days later, the enemy king departed for home, accompanied by Princess Zhao. She reluctantly bid me farewell, her eyes filled with longing for the future and a hint of trepidation. "Sister, I..." she hesitated, finally offering a deep blessing. "May you and your husband live happily ever after."

I held her hand and gave her a reassuring smile. "Go ahead. Give my regards to your future husband. Peace is hard-won. You must remember your mission." She nodded solemnly and stepped into the carriage.

After sending off the enemy envoys, I began to deal with post-war affairs. In the main hall, I sat on the dragon throne, looking at the civil and military officials standing below, feeling a surge of emotion.

"My dear ministers, our dynasty's ultimate victory this time is inseparable from your loyalty and bravery." My eyes swept over the familiar faces, "especially General Zhen, who planned and won battles thousands of miles away and made great contributions to our dynasty!"

"I dare not take credit for it. This is what I should do." Zhen Youcai stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a respectful and humble tone.

"Please stand up quickly, my dear." I gestured for him to stand up. "I am very pleased. If you want any reward, please ask for it."

"It is my honor to share your majesty's worries. I do not ask for rewards, but only ask your majesty to take care of your health and lead our dynasty to a more glorious future." Zhen Youcai's words were sonorous and resounding.

I nodded with satisfaction and then announced the rewards for the other soldiers. Prime Minister Li stood aside, his face gloomy and silent. I took in his expression and sneered inwardly.

"Prime Minister Li, you seem to be dissatisfied with my arrangements?" My tone was calm, but there was a hidden sharpness in it.

Prime Minister Li looked up suddenly, a flash of panic in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it. "I dare not, but..."

"Just what?" I demanded, my eyes burning.

Prime Minister Li took a deep breath, as if he had made a decision. He stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I believe that although General Zhen has military achievements, his achievements are so great that they threaten the emperor. Your Majesty, please reconsider your decision!"

The hall erupted in an uproar, and everyone stared at Prime Minister Li in disbelief. I, however, merely smiled. The show was finally about to begin.

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Prime Minister Li's words were like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up a thousand waves. I sat firmly on the throne, taking in everyone's reactions. Some looked stunned, some bowed their heads in silence, and still others had a glint of meaning in their eyes.

"Prime Minister Li, what do you mean?" I said in a calm tone, but with a hidden edge.

Prime Minister Li straightened his back, not in the least afraid of my pressure. "Your Majesty, since ancient times, those who have achieved great success and threatened their rulers have rarely had a good ending. General Zhen is indeed a great warrior, but a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Your Majesty, please put the country first!"

"Prime Minister Li, are you questioning my decision?" I slammed the armrest of the dragon throne, stood up, and looked down at him.

"I dare not!" Prime Minister Li knelt on the ground. "I am just worried that Your Majesty will be blinded by the temporary victory and make the wrong judgment!"

"How dare you!" Minister Wang, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly stood up and said, "Prime Minister Li, you are committing a crime of insubordination! Your Majesty is so wise and powerful, how can you be allowed to make such unwarranted assumptions?"

"Minister Wang, you..." Prime Minister Li wanted to say something else, but was interrupted by me waving my hand.

"Enough!" I returned to the dragon throne and sat down, my tone icy. "Prime Minister Li, you have served as an honest official for many years, and have done your best. In consideration of your past contributions, I will not pursue this matter today. Come, send Prime Minister Li back to the mansion. Without my order, you are not allowed to step out of the mansion!"

"Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Li looked at me in disbelief. "Are you going to put me under house arrest?"

"I am doing this for your own good, and for the sake of our country." I looked at him coldly, "You should reflect on yourself!"

Prime Minister Li was escorted away by the guards, and the hall returned to peace. I looked around at everyone, my gaze finally landing on Minister Wang. "Minister Wang, your words just now resonated deeply with me. From today on, you are the new Prime Minister. I hope you will not disappoint me."

"I thank you for your great grace. I will do my best until my death!" Minister Wang knelt down excitedly to express his gratitude.

I nodded and turned my gaze to General Sun, who had remained silent. "General Sun, you are brave in battle and resourceful, a rare talent. I have decided to appoint you as the General of National Defense, and you will be responsible for the security of the country together with General Zhen. Are you willing?"

General Sun quickly knelt on one knee and said, "I accept your command and thank you. I will definitely live up to your high expectations!"

"Okay!" I nodded with satisfaction. "That's all for today. My dear ministers, please leave."

After everyone dispersed, I slowly stood up and walked to the window. Looking out at the clear blue sky, my mind cleared. I had long been aware of Prime Minister Li's ambitions. Today's events were merely his own grave. Now, no one in the court can threaten my position. My kingdom, my future, will be bright.

"Your Majesty, it's time for you to rest." Zhen Youcai's voice sounded behind me, "Tomorrow, there are more important things to do."

I turned around and met his deep gaze, the corners of my mouth slightly raised, "You're right, tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow is our wedding day." I gently continued Zhen Youcai's words, with a happy smile in my eyes.

"Yes, I have been waiting for this day for a long time." Zhen Youcai walked to my side and gently held me in his arms.

The next day, the entire palace was festooned with lights and a festive atmosphere. I, dressed in a gorgeous phoenix robe and a heavy phoenix crown, slowly entered the magnificent hall, flanked by palace maids. Zhen Youcai, handsome and tall, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, gazed at me with deep affection.

Guests gathered, toasts clinked, and laughter echoed throughout the hall. Zhen Youcai and I toasted together, accepting the blessings from all sides. The enemy king also presented a letter of surrender and gifts, offering eternal submission and annual tribute. Watching the once-arrogant enemy king now grovelling, I felt no sense of pride. Instead, I felt a surge of ambition: "Great peace and prosperity for the world."

I declare a three-year tax reduction and exemption, sharing the joy with the people. The entire nation is immersed in a joyous and peaceful atmosphere. I know that this prosperous and peaceful era was purchased with the blood and lives of countless soldiers. I will cherish this hard-earned peace all the more and lead my people towards an even brighter future.

As night fell and the sky was dotted with stars, Zhen Youcai and I stood side by side in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden, admiring the beautiful night view.

"Youcai, tell me, have we really achieved the final victory?" I looked at the flickering lights in the distance, and a sense of uneasiness suddenly arose in my heart.

"Your Majesty, now the world is at peace and the country is prosperous and the people are safe. Isn't this the result you have always wanted?" Zhen Youcai held my hand and said softly.

"But..." I turned to look at him, my eyes filled with complicated emotions. "I always feel that this is just the calm before the storm. Will this world really be peaceful forever?"

Zhen Youcai didn't say anything, just staring at me quietly. His deep eyes seemed to hold a thousand words. He pulled out a parchment map from his bosom, slowly unfolded it, pointed to a spot on it, and said to me, "Your Majesty, look..."