allonlinenovel Chapter 143 The Number One Beauty of the Great Song Dynasty
Chapter 143 The Number One Beauty of the Great Song Dynasty
Thinking of this, Liu Kun's clenched fist trembled slightly, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.
"Liu Xun and Liu Yixuan, these two men hold military power and harbor treacherous intentions, plotting to overthrow my empire. How can I sit idly by?" His voice was deep and powerful, as if every word contained the weight of a thousand pounds. "My mind is made up. I will immediately send troops to punish the rebels and restore order to the court!"
However, at that moment, a calm and composed voice broke the solemn atmosphere in the hall.
"Your Majesty, please wait."
Wei Wuji slowly walked out of the crowd, his expression calm, his eyes gleaming with a profound light.
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun turned his gaze to Wei Wuji, his tone filled with curiosity and anticipation: "Does the Duke of Qin have something to say?"
Wei Wuji bowed slightly, his tone gentle yet firm: "Your Majesty, the one-month deadline you set is still several days away. Military strategy says: 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' To rashly send troops at this moment is probably not the best strategy. Why not use these last few days to further investigate the situation and ensure that nothing goes wrong? Furthermore, Your Majesty's reputation is widespread; perhaps you can win people over with your virtue, instill fear in them, and make them automatically restrain their ambitions."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun frowned and slowly said, "Liu Xun and Liu Yixuan's rebellious intentions are as clear as day. If we wait any longer, they won't obediently come to Jiankang to plead guilty. It's better to send troops to punish these two traitors as soon as possible, seize the initiative, and prevent their power from growing too strong!"
Wei Wuji spoke slowly, his voice trembling slightly, yet each word was firm and resolute: "Your Majesty, weapons are instruments of destruction. In this chaotic world, if we can heal the rifts of conflict through peaceful means, why so easily resort to those blood-stained blades? Frequent clashes not only waste resources and manpower, but also cause the people of this land to suffer the ravages of war, severely damaging the nation's vitality."
Upon hearing this, Yu Jin frowned, a sharp glint in his eyes. He retorted, "Duke of Qin, you are mistaken! Can the problem be solved without resorting to force? Everyone knows that Liu Xun and Liu Yixuan are wolves in sheep's clothing. They have long lost their loyalty and reverence for His Majesty, possessing only endless greed and ambition. If we do not send troops to eliminate them now, the consequences will be unimaginable once they have gained enough power and their rebellious intentions are exposed. The Song Dynasty will be plunged into utter ruin. Can Duke of Qin bear this responsibility?"
Wei Wuji shook his head slightly, his expression becoming even more solemn: "Duke of Chu, you and I both know that this is a tragedy of fratricide and bloodshed. Imagine how desolate it would be if swords were drawn and rivers of blood flowed. As the ruler of all people, does Your Majesty not hope to achieve long-term peace and stability for the country at the lowest possible cost? Let's wait and see; perhaps there is still a chance for a turnaround."
Yu Jin sneered, his tone resolute and unwavering: "Hmph, the Duke of Qin is truly merciful, but are Liu Xun and Liu Yixuan the kind of people who would show mercy because of His Majesty's familial affection? If they truly harbor rebellious intentions, once they act, their actions will be swift and devastating. By then, it will be too late to reverse the situation. How can we, for the sake of momentary womanly compassion, place the entire country in danger?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji's expression changed slightly: "Yu Jin, don't try to argue. I am not advocating for endless concessions, but I hope that we can find the path that can both preserve the country and avoid unnecessary sacrifices in the wisest way. War is never the best way to solve problems, especially at a time when we are beset by internal and external troubles."
Liu Kun spoke slowly, his voice steady and firm: "Duke of Qin, you need not say more. My mind is made up. I will send troops to punish Liu Xun and Liu Yixuan, these two traitors who dare to defy my will. The land of the Great Song will not be allowed to be trampled upon like this!"
Upon hearing this, Duke Wei Wuji of Qin frowned, his expression filled with worry. He knew that this war was no small matter; once it broke out, it would inevitably lead to widespread suffering and national turmoil.
He stepped forward, almost pleading, "Your Majesty, please reconsider! War is no child's play; once the flames of war are ignited, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Just as the atmosphere inside the hall was heavy, as if even the air itself had frozen, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. Immediately afterwards, a soldier knelt down and reported, "Your Majesty, the Princess of Yiyang requests an audience outside the hall."
Princess Yiyang, Liu Lianyue. She is the daughter of Liu Yixuan, the Prince of Jingling, and is also a universally acknowledged beauty both inside and outside the Song Dynasty. Her fame for beauty has long been known throughout the world.
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Liu Kun's eyes, followed by a playful smile on his lips: "Let her in."
The palace doors opened slightly, letting in a ray of sunlight that illuminated every corner of the hall. With a soft rustle of footsteps, a woman in magnificent palace attire slowly entered the hall—it was Liu Lianyue. She wore a splendid robe embroidered with gold and phoenixes; her skin was as white as snow, her features exquisite, her figure graceful, and every gesture exuded nobility and gentleness. She was truly a peerless beauty, worthy of the title "The Most Beautiful Woman of the Song Dynasty."
Liu Kun's gaze was instantly drawn to Liu Lianyue. His eyes became ardent and direct, as if he wanted to etch every smile and frown of this peerless beauty into his heart.
Inside the main hall, everyone's eyes were focused on the beautiful woman, and even the air seemed to freeze.
Liu Lianyue seemed to sense Liu Kun's undisguised gaze, and a shy blush rose on her face, but she still maintained the proper dignity and composure, slowly bowing and speaking in a clear and melodious voice: "Your subject Liu Lianyue greets Your Majesty."
Standing in the main hall, Xiao Jinyan's gaze was involuntarily drawn to Liu Lianyue. He secretly admired her, thinking that Liu Lianyue was indeed a rare beauty, as if she had stepped out of an ancient book, exuding elegance in every move.
In terms of looks, even Yang Rong, Liu Xiyu, and He Qiongying seemed slightly inferior to her. Although Yang Rong was bright and beautiful, her years of running a brothel had inadvertently revealed a touch of worldliness in her every move. It was a faint "sultryness" woven from the years and the dust of the world, which seemed out of place compared to Liu Lianyue's innate noble temperament.
Liu Xiyu is renowned for her willful and capricious nature. While her undisguised arrogance has its unique charm, it appears too sharp and lacking in gentleness and restraint compared to Liu Lianyue. Liu Lianyue, on the other hand, possesses a beauty that is both proud and confident, noble yet humble. Every gesture she makes exudes an aura that cannot be ignored—a natural elegance that no amount of makeup can replicate.
As for He Qiongying, she possessed a mature woman's charm, gentle and graceful, dignified and proper. However, time had gently etched its marks on her face, and her youthful radiance was no longer what it once was. If one could compare to Liu Lianyue, perhaps only she in her youth could do so. As for Lü Zhu and Li Yue Rui, although they each had their own merits, compared to Liu Lianyue, they seemed to become mere foils, pale in comparison in both appearance and temperament.
Liu Lianyue's beauty is the kind that can penetrate the heart; every smile, every gesture seems to proclaim her extraordinary nature to the world. Her nobility does not come from her birth or status, but from the firmness and confidence within her heart—a beauty that transcends the mundane.
As for Yu Xin'er, although that girl has an impressive bust that can barely compare to Liu Lianyue, she is far inferior in terms of figure, appearance, and even demeanor.
Yan Daoxiu, at first glance, is indeed quite different from others. Her unique temperament is like a clear spring in the mountains or a lone star in the night sky, capable of instantly attracting everyone's attention.
However, if she is placed side by side with Liu Lianyue and compared carefully, her so-called 'uniqueness' seems somewhat pale and weak. Yan Daoxiu's 'hardware,' whether it is her family background or her inner cultivation, pales in comparison to the dazzling pearl that is Liu Lianyue.
As for Guan Lingxuan, she was somewhat comparable to Liu Lianyue. Guan Lingxuan's beauty was subtle and reserved, like a newly blooming lily, fresh and refined. However, her personality was too gentle, even somewhat insecure, and coupled with her humble origins and lack of a distinguished family background to enhance her appearance, she naturally paled in comparison to Liu Lianyue in terms of temperament.
Liu Lianyue is like a phoenix born with grace. Wherever she goes, her nobility and elegance are impossible to ignore. Her temperament emanates from her very being, something that Guan Lingxuan can hardly match.
Just as everyone in the court was pondering the emperor's intentions, Liu Kun suddenly changed the subject and said to Liu Lianyue, who had just stood up, with a gentle smile, "Princess Yiyang, please dispense with the formalities."
Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue paused slightly, then gracefully bowed, stood up, and displayed a dignified demeanor, exuding an air of elegance in every gesture.
“Princess Yiyang,” Liu Kun spoke again, his tone tinged with a mixture of confusion and authority, “I have issued an edict ordering the Prince of Jingling to come to Jiankang to discuss state affairs. I wonder why he has not yet shown up? Have you heard anything about this?”
Upon hearing this, the entire court fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on Liu Lianyue.
Liu Lianyue, dressed in an elegant plain dress, her hair loosely tied up, her brows furrowed with an unyielding worry, spoke softly, her voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty, I dare to report that my father... has fallen seriously ill and is now bedridden, making it impossible for him to travel to Jiankang to meet Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun frowned, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Liu Lianyue kneeling below. His tone carried a hint of doubt and dissatisfaction: "Oh? Why did you have to fall ill at this particular time of year? Isn't that too much of a coincidence?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue kowtowed again, her voice resolute: "Your Majesty is wise, my father's illness is indeed true, how could I dare to deceive you in the slightest? My coming to Jiankang this time is a last resort, I only dared to come on behalf of my father for fear that Your Majesty would have any doubts. I hope Your Majesty will understand."
Liu Kun stared at Liu Lianyue, and the inexplicable irritation in his heart seemed to be calmed by her sincere gaze. He slowly spoke, his tone carrying a hint of compromise: "Alright, since that's the case, I will trust you for now."
However, his tone shifted, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes. "However, Princess Yiyang, since Prince Jingling cannot come to Jiankang, you should stay in Jiankang. This will give me the opportunity to properly entertain you, my distinguished guest from afar."
Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue was startled, her beautiful face filled with astonishment. She looked up at Liu Kun, her clear eyes filled with disbelief: "What? Your Majesty, this..."
Seeing this, Liu Kun's lips curled into a playful smile. He gently waved his hand, interrupting Liu Lianyue's words, "Wait a minute, Princess, there's no need to refuse so hastily. Jiankang is prosperous and picturesque; I believe you'll like it here. Besides, if you stay in Jiankang, I can keep track of Prince Jingling's condition at any time. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"
Looking into Liu Kun's unquestionable eyes, Liu Lianyue felt a thousand reluctances, but she knew that she had no way to refute him at this moment.
She took a deep breath, curtsied again, and said in a voice that was both helpless and submissive: “In that case, I will obey and thank Your Majesty for your great favor.”