PFC Chapter 189 New Year's Eve, Xu Maogong's Challenge
Chapter 189 New Year's Eve, Xu Maogong's Challenge
"Father!"
Yang Ruyi exclaimed in surprise, her face changing drastically.
Although she was preoccupied with the grand cause and wanted her son to inherit the throne, her concern for Yang Guang was genuine.
At that moment, the worry on her face was genuine.
Yang Guang did not speak, but simply clenched the handkerchief tightly in his palm.
not enough.
That's still not ruthless enough.
His time is running out.
We must act swiftly and decisively, and eradicate these malignant tumors completely within our lifetimes!
"Zilie," Yang Guang turned to Lü Xiao, his gaze intense, "from now on, I will rely on you."
In that gaze, there was trust, entrustment, and a kind of resolute determination that bordered on a desperate gamble.
Lu Xiao nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, please rest assured."
He fought against the Eastern Turks.
He also fought against Goguryeo.
He didn't miss a single one of those foreign wars.
Now that a civil war is brewing, he'd really like to give it a try.
Those rebels, those powerful families, those hiding in the shadows.
One comes, one is killed.
If one comes, kill the other.
"Yuwen Chengdu!"
"Your subject is here!" Yuwen Chengdu strode forward, bowed, and clasped his hands in greeting.
"New Year's Eve is in two days," Yang Guang said. "We must maintain order in the Eastern Capital. There are many people and suspicious eyes in the city these days, so we cannot afford to make any mistakes."
"I obey your decree!"
Yuwen Chengdu accepted the order and left.
Yang Guang glanced at Lü Xiao again, said nothing more, and turned to leave the city wall with his entourage.
In the darkness of the night, his back looked somewhat desolate, yet he still stood ramrod straight.
As Lunar New Year's Eve approaches, the festive atmosphere in the eastern capital city is growing stronger.
Standing in the courtyard of the Prince of Shuo's mansion, watching the busy servants coming and going, Lü Xiao suddenly felt a little dazed.
Having lived in the Sui Dynasty for many years, he had never really experienced how the ancients celebrated the New Year.
At this time of year, he would be on the frontier fighting, where would he have the chance to stay peacefully at home?
This year is great, I finally have some free time and can see how people in the Sui Dynasty celebrated New Year's Eve.
"It's New Year's Eve again," Yang Ruyi said, pulling his hand and smiling. "Shall we go back and get ready?"
Come to think of it, she and Lü Xiao haven't spent much time together since they got married.
"Okay." Lü Xiao replied and led his wife and children into the mansion.
Back at the mansion, he discovered Yang Ruyi's so-called preparations.
It means to have someone prepare the ingredients so that we can have a big feast on New Year's Eve.
Find the best fabric and make several new clothes.
When Lü Xiao saw it, he felt it was pretty much the same as modern times.
Eating, drinking, having fun, wearing new clothes, setting off firecrackers—it's the same in every dynasty.
"Father! Father!"
A childish voice came from afar.
Lu Zhen came running over with his usual swaying gait.
He was wearing a brand-new bright red robe, which made his little face look rosy and fair, just like a lucky baby in a New Year's painting.
Lu Xiao looked down and examined it for a moment, then nodded: "Not bad, it fits perfectly."
"Hehe," Lü Zhen chuckled, his eyes narrowing into slits, "That's what the gentlemen said too!"
He put his hands behind his back, raised his little head, and looked like a little adult.
Lu Xiao found it amusing and casually asked, "How's your studying going lately?"
Lu Zhen's expression immediately changed.
With his hands behind his back, he said in a serious tone, "Father, on New Year's Eve, let's not talk about such unpleasant things."
Lu Xiao was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.
Good lad, you even dare to reprimand him now.
"Alright, Father, I won't ask anymore."
Lu Zhen nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Lu Yan in Yang Ruyi's arms.
The little guy is fair and tender, and he's looking around with his round eyes wide open.
"Father," Lü Zhen leaned closer and lowered his voice, "when will my brother run away?"
Why hasn't his go-to scapegoat grown up yet?
Yang Ruyi, with her sharp ears, immediately turned around upon hearing this: "Lü Zhen!"
She knew her son too well.
What do you mean by caring about your younger brother? You're clearly hoping he'll grow up quickly so you can take the blame for him!
If she makes a mistake, she'll blame it on her younger brother and enjoy her peace and quiet.
"Mother," Lü Zhen said matter-of-factly, "I'm doing this to strengthen our brotherly bond. How can I show him affection if he doesn't get scolded?"
"Nonsense and fallacies," Yang Ruyi laughed and scolded, "just like your father, never serious!"
"Hehe," Lü Zhen scratched his head, his face full of pride, "Dad, we're both so unserious!"
Lü Xiao: "..."
Was he praised or scolded by his son?
Yang Yu'er stood aside, watching the father and son bicker, a smile appearing on her lips.
Her hand unconsciously went to her lower abdomen and gently touched it.
Lü Xiao had been sleeping in her room quite often these past few days. But for some reason, her belly remained flat.
The situation is getting increasingly chaotic, and Lü Xiao might have to go on a campaign at any time.
Once he's gone, it will be difficult to have children again.
We need to work harder.
Night falls.
The entire East was illuminated by millions of lanterns, making it as bright as day.
Colorful lanterns were hung in front of every household, red, yellow and green, twinkling in the night and adorning this ancient capital with dazzling lights.
On the city wall, Yang Guang and his civil and military officials reappeared.
Tonight is Lunar New Year's Eve, and it is also an important moment for him to personally appear and reassure the people.
Instead of holding grand celebrations in the palace, he chose to share the joy with the people.
Inside the city, folk performances have already begun.
It features a variety of performances, including acrobatics, singing and dancing, and traditional opera.
Tens of thousands of artists participated, and the crowds of onlookers packed every street.
Cheers, applause, and the sound of drums blended into a noisy sea.
"Zilie," Yang Guang said, standing on the city tower and pointing to a huge lantern in the city.
"The lanterns are about to be lit; shall we do it together?"
The lantern wheel was over ten feet tall, made of bamboo and wood, and covered with thousands upon thousands of lanterns.
Once lit, it will slowly rotate, illuminating the entire night sky.
This is the highlight of every Lunar New Year's Eve, and the moment that the people of Dongdu look forward to the most.
Just as Lü Xiao was about to respond, he saw Li Jing rushing over.
He held a wooden box in his hands, his face solemn.
"Your Highness."
Lu Xiao glanced at the wooden box and felt a chill run down his spine.
"Your Majesty, please go ahead," he said in a low voice, "I will be there shortly."
Yang Guang's gaze fell on the wooden box, and he frowned slightly.
He didn't ask any more questions, but simply nodded and left with his civil and military officials.
"Who sent this?" Lu Xiao asked.
Li Jing said, "The Jianghuai region."
Lu Xiao's brows furrowed even more.
"Husband, what is this gift?"
Yang Ruyi leaned closer, her face full of curiosity, and reached out to lift the lid of the box.
"Ruyi!" Lü Xiao suddenly raised his hand, blocking her way. "You take the child and go keep His Majesty company first."
He stepped past Yang Ruyi and grabbed the wooden box in his arms.
The box felt quite heavy when I picked it up.
He was all too familiar with this weight.
He has chopped off countless heads and filled countless boxes like this.
Yang Ruyi hesitated for a moment, then turned and left with Lü Yan in her arms.
Lu Xiao waited until they were far away before slowly opening the box.
A strong smell of blood hit me.
Inside the box was a human head.
The head was contorted, its eyes wide open, its death unresolved.
It was Song Hao, the Sui army captain who had been defeated and captured not long ago.
Lu Xiao shifted his gaze from the person's head to the blood-stained letter at the bottom of the box.
On the envelope, three words stood out starkly.
Xu Maogong.