Chapter 160 Listening to the Order, Not the Decree: Luo Yi
Chapter 160 Listening to the Order, Not the Decree: Luo Yi
"The people of the world..."
Luo Yi listened to Qin Qiong's words and was very dissatisfied with this high-profile statement.
Does that mean he isn't acting in the best interests of the people if he doesn't raise an army?
Besides, no matter what I say, what do the people of the world have to do with me?
He didn't have any deep-seated hatred for the Yang family. If anything, the only thing that could be considered hatred was that Qin Qiong's father was killed by Yang Lin.
For this reason alone, he had no reason to raise an army.
"You can leave now." Luo Yi waved her hand resolutely.
"The affairs of the court are none of my concern, and the affairs of the world are even less of my concern. Beiping Prefecture cannot tolerate such a great figure as you."
He turned to leave, took two steps, then stopped, adding without turning back, "Oh, and get him some travel money."
These words sounded cold, but Qin Qiong felt a warmth in his heart; his uncle still remembered their past relationship.
"Father!" Luo Cheng said urgently.
He was still wearing his silver armor, clearly having just returned from the training ground, with beads of sweat on his forehead.
"Your cousin has come from afar, are you just going to let him leave like this?"
Even if we don't raise an army, can't we at least keep him as a general in Beiping Prefecture?
"Shut up!" Luo Yi whirled around, his hair and beard bristling. "If you dare say another word, I'll break your legs!"
Luo Cheng was intimidated by his father's imposing manner and dared not speak again, only anxiously watching Qin Qiong.
Qin Qiong gave a wry smile, bowed deeply, and lowered his posture considerably.
"I understand, nephew. However... my mother has also come to Beiping."
She hasn't seen her aunt for many years; perhaps she could let them catch up?
When Qin Shengzhu was mentioned, Luo Yi's expression softened slightly.
He paused for a moment, then nodded, his tone still indifferent: "Alright, your mother... really should be met."
"Thank you, Uncle." Qin Qiong bowed again, this time bowing even deeper.
"Cousin, I'll take you there." Luo Cheng quickly stepped forward.
The two left the main hall, passed through three moon gates, and headed towards the backyard.
This reunion lasted for three whole days.
No one knows what Qin Shengzhu said.
In short, three days later, Luo Yi's attitude underwent a subtle change.
Qin Shengzhu somehow persuaded Luo Yi to let Qin Qiong stay in Beiping Prefecture.
Not only that, but they also bestowed upon him an official title.
Luo Yi did not need to submit a memorial to the imperial court regarding this matter.
When he surrendered to the Sui Dynasty, Prince Yang Lin personally vouched for him, and he obeyed orders but not summons.
He was to be permanently stationed in Yanshan, never to attend court, and to hold the power of life and death.
The Sui Dynasty tacitly accepted these three conditions.
Therefore, in the vast territory of Yanshan, spanning eight hundred miles, Luo Yi was the local emperor, and his words carried more weight than imperial edicts.
The officials he appointed did not require approval from the Ministry of Personnel.
Meanwhile, Luoyang, the eastern capital, presented a completely different scene.
In the study of the Prince of Shuo's mansion, Lü Xiao was deep in thought, staring at a huge map.
He has already sent out three groups of spies to gather information about Qin Qiong, like casting a net.
The first batch went to Shandong, the second to Hebei, and the third was even sent to Jiangnan.
The reward is very high; anyone who provides accurate information will be rewarded with a thousand taels of silver.
Finally, after a long time, the third group of spies brought back definite news.
Qin Qiong was in Yanshan, under the command of Luo Yi, the Prince of Beiping.
"Luo Yi?" Lu Xiao was unfamiliar with this name.
He had heard of Luo Yi's son, Luo Cheng.
This young man's spear technique is a true inheritance from the Luo family, earning him the nickname "Cold Noodles and Cold Spear." He is a rare and fierce general among the younger generation.
"Yuwen Chenglong." Lü Xiao summoned his living map.
Yuwen Chenglong practically ran in, his forehead still damp with sweat.
He had just returned from outside the city and, upon hearing that Lü Xiao had summoned him, rushed over without even changing his clothes.
"Your Highness, you wanted to see me?"
He asked, panting.
"Who is Luo Yi?" Lu Xiao asked directly.
Yuwen Chenglong was taken aback, then scratched his head, looking bewildered: "Luo Yi? Is there such a person in the imperial court?"
As the son of Yuwen Huaji, he knew all the officials in the court, both high and low, inside and out.
He knew exactly which minister was lecherous, which vice minister was greedy, and which general was afraid of his wife.
I really don't recognize the name Ke Luoyi.
"Your Highness, please wait a moment," Yuwen Chenglong quickly added, afraid of appearing useless, "I'll go and inquire right away, and I guarantee I'll find out for you within an hour!"
"By the time you find out, it'll be too late," Lü Xiao said, standing up. "I'll just ask His Majesty directly."
"I'll go too!"
Yuwen Chenglong's eyes lit up, and he followed.
He didn't really want to help; he was just bored.
The guards at the palace gate saw Lü Xiao and quickly bowed to let him pass.
A eunuch led the way, heading straight for the Sui Dynasty's Western Garden.
Turning past a rockery made of Taihu stones, the sight before him made Lü Xiao pause, almost losing his footing.
On the grass in the garden, Yang Guang was lying on all fours.
Riding on his back was a beautifully sculpted little baby, none other than Lü Zhen.
The little fellow, not very old, clutched a yellow silk ribbon in his hand as a riding whip, giggling as he patted Yang Guang's back:
"Giddy up! Giddy up! Grandpa, run!"
Yang Guang actually crawled slowly, occasionally imitating a horse's neigh: "Neigh, my dear grandson, sit tight!"
Yuwen Chenglong's eyes widened like copper bells. He quietly gave a thumbs up and whispered, "Your Highness is amazing... A person who rides the emperor is probably the first of his kind in history."
Lu Xiao, however, was sweating profusely.
This kid is getting more and more lawless.
It's one thing to cause trouble at home, but to dare to act so recklessly in the palace?
"Zilie."
Yang Guang raised his head and saw Lü Xiao. He didn't get up, but just lay there talking, his tone as relaxed as if he were chatting casually.
"You're such a busy man, what brings you here to see me?"
Lu Xiao strode forward and scooped Lu Zhen up in his arms: "You brat, who taught you to be so unruly?"
Lu Zhen was having a great time when she was suddenly picked up. Her little mouth twitched, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
"Father, I want to ride a big horse again. My grandfather promised to let me ride until sunset."
"What are you doing riding that big horse!" Lu Xiao glared. "This is your maternal grandfather, the Emperor himself! How dare you act so recklessly? Get down!"
After being scolded by his father, Lü Zhen immediately fell silent.
She buried her face in Lü Xiao's shoulder, secretly glancing at Yang Guang.
"How dare you!" Yang Guang got up from the ground and snatched Lü Zhen back.
"I'd like my grandson to ride me, what's it to you? He's not riding on you!"
As he spoke, he gently patted Lü Zhen's back, his voice so tender it could melt hearts:
"My dear grandson, don't be afraid, your grandfather is here. We'll ignore your father; he's just being unreasonable."
Lu Xiao was speechless.
Is he being unreasonable?
Who is really being unreasonable?
After appeasing his grandson, Yang Guang glanced sideways at Lü Xiao, his tone regaining its imperial authority:
"Speak if you have something to say, otherwise leave. Don't get in my way. I finally have some free time to spend with my grandson, and you come here to cause trouble."
Lu Xiao took a deep breath, suppressing the helplessness in his heart, and said, "I want to ask about... Luo Yi."
"Luo Yi?" Yang Guang sat down on the stone bench with Lü Zhen in his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Why did you suddenly think of asking about him?"
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