Anyone could tell that Princess Ping Yang's passionate embrace had surpassed the relationship between siblings.
"Could it be that Princess Ping Yang has an affair with His Highness?”
"No way, they are siblings.”
"Your Highness isn't the son of the emperor and has no blood relation with Your Highness Ping Yang.”
"That won't do. At least they're siblings in name. Moreover, they can't marry if they have the same surname.”
Li Xuanlie heard the unintentional discussion of the soldiers clearly.
However, he didn't care. He caressed Li Xiu Ning's black hair and pulled her into his arms even tighter.
Li Xiu Ning was a girl after all. Hearing the soldiers 'discussion, she immediately woke up from her stupor. With a slightly red face, she gently pushed Li Xuanlie away.
"Xiu Ning…"
Just as Li Xuanlie was about to speak, Li Xiu Ning took half a step back and said loudly,"Li Xuanlie, listen up!"
As she spoke, she took out the imperial edict from her bosom.
Li Xuanlie was stunned. Only then did he understand that Li Xiu Ning had come all the way to Rome to announce the decree of her father, Li Yuan.
"Your son listens to the decree!"
He straightened his clothes and cupped his hands solemnly.
"Third Prince Li Xuanlie fought against the Turks in the north, took Chang 'an in the south, defeated Persia in the west, and conquered Rome in the distance. He has made great contributions to the army!
In order to show his meritorious service, Li Xuanlie was granted the title of King Kaoshan. He was also given the title of Shangshu Ling, the Grand Marshal of the world's military forces. He was the head of all officials and ranked above all kings!
From the day the decree was issued, Li Xuanlie was ordered to set out and return to the capital. I will wait for my son's return in Luoyang.”
After reading the decree, Li Xiu Ning smiled and said,""Congratulations, Third Lang. From today onwards, you are below one person and above ten thousand people. Quickly follow me back to Luoyang.”
"Your son thanks Imperial Father for your grace."
Li Xuanlie received the imperial edict with both hands. His handsome face was still calm and indifferent, and he did not show any signs of ecstasy.
Li Yuan's reward for him was extremely honorable.
However, everything he did was to repay Li Yuan for raising him and to fulfill his ambition. How could he be complacent because of a mere high position?
In front of the temple, the Black Flag Army soldiers were all rejoicing.
"Greetings, King Reliance!" Yue Fei cupped his hands in greeting.
"My king is a thousand years old!" Liu Bowen also put away his feather fan and bowed with a smile.
The soldiers who had survived the bloody battle cheered and cheered.
In the eyes of the soldiers, their Highness had performed a peerless service for the Great Tang and deserved such a reward.
Li Xuanlie put away the imperial edict and took Li Xiu Ning's hand back to the temple.
"The soldiers are still watching ~~"
Li Xiu Ning's face was dizzy. She looked outside, hinting that Li Xuanlie shouldn't be too close to her.
Li Xuanlie, however, did not think much of it." Three years ago, you and I made an agreement. After I pacified Rome, I asked my father for a decree to betroth you to me. Now that the three years have passed, so what if they see it?"”
Li Xiu Ning's heart was pounding, and her eyes were shining with relief.
The person in his heart was indeed loyal and trustworthy, not letting down the promise he made back then.
Li Xiu Ning let him hold her hand and said,""Aren't you going to ask me who Imperial Father appointed as the Crown Prince?”
"Father has yet to appoint a Crown Prince. Eldest Brother and Second Brother have only been conferred the title of King.”
Li Xiu Ning was shocked and looked at him in surprise.""You are far away in Rome, how do you know?”
"Have you forgotten that I have the Jinyiwei?" Li Xuanlie stroked her hair.
Li Xiu Ning suddenly understood.
Three years ago, in order to help Li Yuan fight for the world, Li Xuanlie secretly established the Brocade Guard, which was spread all over the world to spy on military intelligence.
With such a direct intelligence organization, even though he was thousands of kilometers away, he knew everything about the Great Tang.
"Nothing in the world can hide from your eyes.”
Li Xiu Ning sighed softly. She held Li Xuanlie's hands and looked at him with anticipation.
"Since that's the case, you should know Father's difficulties.
The two kings are fighting for the throne, and the courtiers are all in cahoots. Only by returning to preside over the situation can we stop the Great Tang from splitting.”
Li Xuanlie was silent.
The fight between Li Jiancheng and Li Shiming was within his expectations.
What he wanted to do was to continue fighting and expand the Great Tang's territory, allowing the Han civilization to illuminate the world.
As for the victor of the battle between Li Jiancheng and Li Shiming, the Great Tang was still the Great Tang, still the Han Empire. What difference did it make?
"Imperial Father needs you, I need you, and the people of the Great Tang need you.
San Lang, go back."
Li Xiu Ning's tone was almost pleading.
Li Xuanlie was shocked.
Li Yuan's old and helpless face appeared in front of his eyes. He looked at the woman he loved and her pleading eyes. He had made up his mind.
"Our marriage still needs Imperial Father's approval. Let's go home.”
Li Xiuning was relieved and once again threw herself into the youngster's firm embrace.
…
Seven days later, Li Xuanlie set foot on the road back home.
Before he left, he used the name of King Reliance to divide the Roman Empire into the Northern Mediterranean Protectorate, the Egyptian Protectorate, and the Middle East Protectorate. Each of them had a Protectorate General, a Chief Secretary, and a Sima.
The 60,000 Black Flag Army, as well as Chang Yuchun and a few other generals, were also left in Rome to suppress the resistance forces.
Li Xuanlie led his ten thousand Black Banner Army and countless treasures of the West. After four months, they finally returned to the Great Tang.
After passing through the last stretch of Gobi Desert, an ancient city came into view.
Yang Pass.
It was the westernmost city in China. Once you stepped into this city, you would be in China.
At this moment, the atmosphere on the top of Yang Pass was somber.
King Qi Li Yuanji wore heavy armor as he stared coldly at the approaching group.
"Li Xuanlie, you've finally returned…"
Li Yuanji gritted his teeth and punched the battlements.
A month ago, Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin had requested Li Yuan to station him at Yang Pass to guard against the recent rebellion in the Protectorate of the Western Regions that would affect the Great Tang.
Yang Pass was the only path Li Xuanlie had to take to return to the capital.
"Fifth Brother, Li Xuanlie abhors evil. You once advised Imperial Father to kill him, so how can he let you off after he returns to the capital?
Instead of waiting to die, why don't you strike first and kill him in Yangping Pass!”
Li Yuanji recalled what Li Jiancheng had said to him, and the killing intent in his eyes intensified.
"Your Highness, His Majesty has greatly favored King Reliance, but Your Highness has killed him. If His Majesty blames him, the consequences will be unimaginable.”
Xin Wenli, a trusted general, reminded him in a low voice.
However, Li Yuanji had a confident look on his face as he coldly said,""The King of Jin and the King of Qin have already promised that I will get rid of Li Xuanlie, this thorn in their side. They will protect the King, saying that Li Xuanlie wants to rebel and that I have no choice.”
Xin Wenli silently retreated, not daring to say anything more.
Li Yuanji took a deep breath and stared at the approaching "Reliance" royal flag, his eyes filled with killing intent.
"Li Xuanlie, you came back to court death. Don't blame me!”
(Please take care of this new book. Everyone, please send me a few flowers. It's free, but it can give me great motivation. Thank you.)
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]