lcionline Chapter 138 Brewing
Chapter 138 Brewing
Li Wanqing nestled in Liu Shan's arms, tears silently streaming down her face: "Husband, I wasn't good enough to you before, do you still resent me?"
Liu Shan gently wiped away her tears, his voice low and affectionate: "Silly girl, how could I blame you? The past is like smoke, long gone with the wind. What we have now and in the future is what I cherish most. You are the love of my life, and I only wish you joy every day and peace every year."
Upon hearing this, Li Wanqing felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She hugged Liu Shan tightly, her eyes filled with determination and tenderness: "Husband, from this day forward, I will never leave you again. Will you... accept me as I am?"
Liu Shan gazed at her, his eyes deep and ardent, and nodded solemnly: "Wanqing, I do. In this life, I am willing to give everything to protect you and love you as always."
The two embraced for a long time. The study was quiet and warm, with only their breathing mingling together.
Li Wanqing leaned gently on Liu Shan's shoulder, her voice soft yet firm: "Husband, with you by my side, I have no fear in my heart."
She looked up, her eyes sparkling with happiness, and took the initiative to kiss Liu Shan's lips.
Liu Shan's heart skipped a beat, and he responded passionately. Their kiss was tender and deep, as if they wanted to merge their souls into one.
A moment later, Liu Shan gently picked up Li Wanqing and walked steadily toward the bedroom.
The moonlight, like water, streamed through the window and fell to the ground, illuminating the figures of the two people leaning against each other.
That night, they finally broke through the final barrier and truly became the closest people in each other's lives.
Liu Shan's gentleness and care made Li Wanqing feel an unprecedented sense of happiness and fulfillment.
She nestled in his arms and whispered, "My husband, from now on, I am yours. You must treat me well and never betray my sincere heart."
Liu Shan held her tightly and solemnly promised, "Wanqing, I will never let you down. In this life, I am willing to shelter you from the wind and rain, protect you for a lifetime of peace, and make you the happiest woman in the world."
A happy smile bloomed on Li Wanqing's face. She knew that she had finally found her life's home.
Liu Shan also knew that he would spend the rest of his life with this beautiful, resilient, and loyal woman, through thick and thin, never to be separated.
……
Time flies, and several months have passed in the blink of an eye.
Liu Shan and Li Wanqing's life remained as sweet as ever. They experienced every little thing in life together, supporting each other and sharing a deep and unwavering affection.
At the same time, Liu Shan's career was also booming.
With the support of the Prince of Kang, his business spread rapidly like wild grass in spring, and wealth flowed into his pockets like a river.
However, Liu Shan's mind was not on these superficial riches and honors.
Like a strategist hidden in the night, he quietly invested a large amount of wealth in a plan to secretly recruit soldiers and build up his strength.
These past few months have been both busy and full of anticipation for Liu Shan.
Every now and then, he would sit at that worn-out desk, pick up his pen and ponder, carefully crafting stories that were either thrilling or touching.
Under the dim light of an oil lamp, he wrote these stories into letters, folded them neatly, and handed them to a messenger to travel across mountains and rivers to Princess Changning, who was far away in the capital.
Princess Changning's replies always arrived on time, filled with warmth and care.
At times, she was like a learned scholar, appreciating and analyzing Liu Shan's story, praising its dramatic plot and vivid characters; at other times, she was like a close friend, sharing anecdotes from the capital, and even discussing the joys and sorrows within the palace. Her letters contained both admiration for Liu Shan and concerns about the current situation.
Every time Liu Shan read the letter, his admiration and affection for Princess Changning grew stronger.
However, he also knew that Princess Changning was under house arrest in the capital by the Xia Emperor and had no choice in her own life. They could only express their concern and care for each other through letters.
He secretly resolved to strengthen his power as soon as possible so that one day he could help her break free from her constraints and regain her freedom.
However, at the end of each letter, Princess Changning would always solemnly admonish Liu Shan not to act rashly.
She reminded him that Cangzhou was their foundation, and only by consolidating their foundation could they remain invincible in the chaotic world.
Liu Shanshen agreed and became even more cautious in his actions, secretly making plans and working closely with Prince Kang to consolidate the foundation of Cangzhou.
Together with Li Wanqing, they focused on both internal and external affairs, managing their business and connecting with various forces to pave the way for their future endeavors. The days passed quietly amidst their busyness and anticipation.
In the blink of an eye, several months have passed.
The Empress Dowager's birthday was drawing near, yet a somber atmosphere hung over the palace and beyond, like the calm before a storm.
Meanwhile, news spread throughout the capital that Emperor Xia was seriously ill. Rumors circulated that his body was like a candle flickering in the wind, growing weaker day by day, and that he even needed help to get up.
Liu Shan knew that if this news was true, the court would be in turmoil.
Even though it's unconfirmed, this rumor is like a boulder thrown into a lake, creating ripples everywhere.
The ambitions of the princes began to stir, and some even secretly contacted Prince Kang, trying to win him over to plot something big.
However, Prince Kang was astute as could be. Princess Changning was still a hostage in the capital, and the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin.
Therefore, he rejected the lobbyists without hesitation and secretly discussed with Liu Shan the matter, deciding to wait and see and secretly accumulate strength.
According to ancestral custom, the princes were required to arrive in the capital half a month in advance to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday.
Everyone knew perfectly well that this trip was not only to celebrate the emperor's birthday, but also an opportunity for the Xia emperor to test the loyalty of the princes.
Although Prince Kang knew that this trip was dangerous, he also understood that only in this way could he have a chance to meet Princess Changning.
Meanwhile, Princess Changning lived in constant fear in the palace. She knew that the Empress Dowager's birthday might be a turning point in her fate.
Princess Changning's intuition told her that an invisible life-or-death struggle was unfolding within the palace walls.
She became increasingly cautious, constantly alert to any potential dangers around her.
In the letter, she warned Liu Shan that no matter how the situation in the capital changed, he should always prioritize Cangzhou and not easily believe any sudden temptations or threats.
As Liu Shan read these words, his loyalty and support for Princess Changning became even stronger.
He was determined that no matter how difficult the road ahead, he would ensure the safety of Cangzhou and protect this pure land for Princess Changning.
Before his departure, Prince Kang repeatedly instructed Liu Shan to be cautious in the capital and not to attract attention.
Liu Shan nodded in agreement, understanding in his heart that this was a battle without gunfire, and he had already prepared for the impending storm.
King Kang's entourage marched in a grand procession toward the capital.
Meanwhile, the other princes also led their large entourages toward the capital.
A storm is brewing in the capital...