Was this "Ode to Willow" really about willows?
It was about you, Lord Liu!
If this poem made it into the history books,
then Liu Chengqian...
At that thought, everyone's eyes turned toward Liu Chengqian as if by prior agreement.
There was a trace of pity in their gazes.
"Mm. Once the Mandarin Duck Army has mastered the military formation, we shall prepare to set out."
Emperor Jianhong's voice allowed no doubt.
At his words,
everyone looked at one another.
Li Zhen glanced at Liu Chengqian, whose face had gone ashen.
His lips moved slightly as he let out an almost imperceptible sigh, but in the end, he said nothing further.
Emperor Jianhong slowly rose. "Return to the palace."
After saying this, he deliberately glanced in Zeng Anmin's direction.
Before leaving, he spoke two words:
"Not bad."
Then he led his entourage toward the palace.
"Farewell, Your Majesty."
Everyone remaining bowed toward his retreating back.
Zeng Anmin bowed deeply.
The wind brushed through his hair.
Zeng Anmin dazedly raised his head and watched Emperor Jianhong's departing figure, surrounded by the crowd.
He slowly straightened his chest.
An unnamed light flickered in his eyes.
Apricot Blossom Tower.
People flowed in and out, and business was booming.
Capital City's number one restaurant.
The Good Friend Trading Company's last fig leaf.
Zeng Anmin sat in a private room, holding a jade cup in his hand.
He leisurely took a sip of wine.
A storyteller's singing drifted into his ears:
"Speaking of that Assistant Minister of Works, Liu Chengqian~"
"Before all eyes, he cast aside his old face without shame~"
"The words from his mouth displeased men and disgusted dogs all the same~"
"He, he, he..."
"He slandered iron-boned Zeng Liangjiang before the throne that day~"
"Luckily, Her Highness the Princess had discerning