Chapter 1975: Dragon and Phoenix: Finale (Part 2)

……

The iron hooves fell swiftly, and the Xuanjia Army unique to the Duke Mansion in Xiyi City had already arrived. Emperor Qin went on tour, heading for the Duke Mansion, with the scouts of the Xuanjia Army having long passed this information back.

Inside Xiyi City, upon hearing that Emperor Qin and the Duke were returning together, ripples stirred incessantly in the hearts of the officials at every level, as if a heavy stone was pressing down inside them.

The Duke had not reported to the Capital City for three years, leaving the officials with whispers of doubt in their hearts. Now, with Emperor Qin and the Duke returning together, some couldn’t help but wonder whether the Lord Duke might accompany His Majesty back to the Capital City.

For the elders in the Duke Mansion, the relationship between the current Duke and His Majesty was exceptionally clear. Even if the details weren’t well known, they could generally feel it. The two hadn’t met before due to a spat, but now upon meeting, the ice should melt.

So, after the Duke enters the Capital City.

Who will succeed in overseeing the vast territories on the western side of the empire?

Li Jianwen kept silent for a long time upon hearing the news. He had no intention of contending with his sister, but now, with his third brother dead and his father elderly, if the sister were to leave as the emperor’s consort…

Li Jianwen looked at the cup in front of him, and the tea within started rippling.

People’s hearts are not constant, changing with the circumstances. Many came to visit Li Jianwen, some with the intention to lean on him. Yet, others believed that though Li Jianwen was talented, compared to Li Zhaowen, it was like comparing a firefly to the bright moon—no contest in levels.

If the duties of the Duke of the Western Regions were given to Li Jianwen, the Western Regions might not remain as prosperous and stable as they are now. Though it wouldn’t fall into chaos, the standard of living and the bureaucratic administration might slightly decline.

But Li Zhaowen had finally met with Emperor Qin, so there’s no point in trying to keep her from leaving.

Changsun Wuchou’s stomach was almost twisting in pain.

On one side was the position of the Lord Duke, the stabilizer of Xiyi, possibly being replaced by someone less talented; on the other side was a love affair he had been watching for over ten years. He couldn’t choose between them, and his stomach was in agony.

Amidst such emotions, akin to dark undercurrents beneath the sea, Emperor Qin’s crimson Qilin-patterned big banner accompanied by the sound of the Xuanjia Iron Cavalry’s hooves slowly arrived, with Xiyi City welcoming the emperor’s western tour with the highest ceremonious standards.

As always, examining officials’ achievements and mistakes, assessing academic work and farming.

During the night banquet, when drinking, Li Zhaowen was still composed and unhurried, leading the Xuanjia Army out to perform Breaking Formation Song of Prince Qin, smiling and saying, “Does Your Majesty remember, back in the days of youth, seizing the enemy general’s head amidst a myriad of troops? These are the soldiers who fought beside Your Majesty back then.”

Li Guanyi laughed, “They are all brave men. Come, drink wine.”

Taking out fine wine, sharing it with many soldiers for them to drink heartily, at the banquet, Li Guanyi and Li Zhaowen’s conversations and actions conformed to the etiquettes of monarch and subjects. Li Shude glanced at Li Jianwen, then at Li Zhaowen, knowing something in his heart.

Just a long sigh.

Li Jianwen lowered his eyes, not speaking; among the officials, some felt relieved, some were discontent, while others, still secretly chewing over the conspiracy theory of ’The Duke has not reported to the Capital City for three years, perhaps also harboring unloyal thoughts and defiance,’ were plenty.

Yet it is understandable, after all, a frontier governor, a general guarding the nation, still not reporting to the Capital City for three years after the world has stabilized, indeed is unprecedented.

The night banquet halted slightly only when the moon hung at its zenith; officials unfit for more drink prepared to take their leave, but a clattering sound broke the mellow feeling. Everyone was startled, the atmosphere slightly sharp, and all eyes turned to look.

Seeing the cup in Li Jianwen’s hand fall to the ground, shattering open, Li Jianwen took a long breath, his gaze flickering, finally resolute, he was the first to stand up, paused silently, looking at his sister and the emperor, right hand resting on the left, amidst the varied gazes of the officials, he performed a long bow, voice like metal and iron, saying:

“I will not take on the responsibilities of Xiyi City.”

A word caused surprise, sobering the officials.

Li Shude’s eyes widened.

Li Jianwen said, “Great Qin has its own selection system, and naturally has all the gentlemen to maintain the situation in the Western Regions. This cannot be achieved by the effort of one person alone; I am merely one among them.”

“Duke, Erlang, you have reunited with His Majesty after so long, haven’t gone to the Capital City.”

“You may go this time, don’t worry.”

He looked at his sister, his voice softened, saying:

“…Don’t let the position of Duke trap you, second sister.”

Li Zhaowen was silent for a moment as Li Jianwen turned and left in large strides, his gaze sweeping past those officials who had visited him earlier, causing them to shiver, complaining in secret, yet never expecting that the elder brother of the current Duke Li was by no means incompetent.

The officials dispersed, using the excuse of drunkenness to take their leave one by one.

Some bold ones, yet undecided, tried to eavesdrop from the side but were punched and kicked out by Changsun Wuchou.

Listening! Listening to what!

Li Zhaowen lowered her gaze, naturally smiling, “Elder brother really wants me to go report to duty, huh? Your Majesty, this round of drinking is over; these people are noisy and troublesome. The Duke Mansion has a beautiful view. Come along with me.”

Both Emperor Qin and the Duke possessed unparalleled martial arts, unless the Thousand-Day Drunk was taken out, otherwise ordinary wine had little effect on the two of them.

Li Guanyi dressed in regal kingly style, his hair bound with a golden crown, the sleeves of his robe embroidered with sun, moon, and stars in gold thread, jade belt at his waist, a sword hung at his side; Li Zhaowen wore the flourishing attire of a Duke, her crowning and robes slightly lower in status compared to Li Guanyi, yet still exuding noble grandeur.