In the imperial city.
Su Qi'an followed the chamberlain all the way towards the interior of the palace. The place they went to this time was not the meeting hall, but Su Xuanyong's bedroom.
This is the most central place in the entire imperial city. Normally, even first-class Dukes are not allowed to enter unless summoned.
As you walk into the imperial city, you can see the imperial troops on both sides of the branch station along the way.
These forbidden troops are different from what Su Qi'an saw in Tongguan. They are truly elite, and their strength is definitely beyond the new army he trained.
But their number is not very large. A rough estimate is that there are only a few hundred people.
But these few hundred people are the backbone of the protection of the Great Liang royal family.
Being able to be summoned in the emperor's palace was enough to show that Su Xuanyong valued him.
Not to mention Su Qi'an, all the dignitaries staying in the imperial city were waiting to see how this matter would be handled in the end.
Under the leadership of the chamberlain, Su Qian came to a rather magnificent and huge palace.
Standing at the entrance of the palace, after a very strict body search and waiting for a while, Su Qi'an was allowed to enter.
When you step into the palace, you will see a high platform. This high platform is made of fine golden nanmu. On the high platform is a golden plan. Su Xuanyong is sitting behind the plan.
The surrounding area was empty, with only four huge coiled dragon pillars standing there. On the vermilion pillars, there was a five-clawed golden dragon, which looked very majestic.
There should be a passage behind the high platform, and behind the passage is Su Xuanyong's bedroom.
However, Su Qi'an did not observe this. After all, above him was the Emperor of Great Liang, and his eyes could not be scanned randomly.
The first time he stepped into the palace, Su Qi'an saluted Su Xuanyong respectfully.
"I pay my respects to your Majesty. Long live your Majesty. Long live your Majesty."
"Haha, long live it? When did Dongshan Bo become so well-behaved? Before, under the walls of Kyoto, no one took him seriously."
As soon as Su Qi'an finished speaking, Su Xuanyong said directly.
Su Qi'an looked calm and said quickly, "Your Majesty, regarding the Kyoto city wall, I am enforcing military law. As the commander-in-chief of this war, no matter who punishes military law, they must do so in accordance with military law. This right is granted to me by Your Majesty." His Majesty should have thought of this when he assumed the position of command.”
"Humph, Uncle Dongshan, you are really sharp-tongued. I didn't say anything, but you are so tough. I don't know who you learned this from. You should get up first and reply."
Su Xuanyong curled his lips and looked at Su Qi'an with a completely helpless expression.
Su Qi'an stood up, and Su Xuanyong continued, "The commander-in-chief does have the duty to kill first and report later, but I also sent a supervisory army. It's just that this supervisory army disappointed me so much that he actually became a traitor. It's really hateful."
"It doesn't matter if one Wang Xian dies, but you killed Zheng Liang and three others, and you shot them in front of their faces. Even though you acted in accordance with military law, you made things very difficult for me."
Su Qi'an nodded and said, "Your Majesty, it is true that I did this a little abruptly, but if I have another chance, I will still do it."
"In the defense of Kyoto, there is no room for negligence. Zheng Liang and his three men seriously violated military regulations. If we don't kill them, we cannot give an explanation to the frontline soldiers."
"If Your Majesty feels embarrassed, you can hand me over and this matter should be over."
Seeing Su Qian's sincere question, Su Xuanyong angrily took pictures of the plan and said angrily.
"What nonsense are you talking about? You are a member of the royal family after all. If I hand you over, do you want to see me ridiculed by everyone in the world? Let me chill the hearts of the frontline soldiers?"
"I don't dare. I definitely don't mean this." Su Qian said quickly.
Su Xuanyong rolled his eyes at Su Qian and did not speak, but remained silent.
From the conversation between the two parties just now, Su Xuanyong could already feel Su Qi'an's firm attitude.
He is from the royal family. Even so, if Su Qi'an had nothing to do, he would not be able to explain to these powerful families in Kyoto.
Even if he is the emperor, he still has to balance and unite the capital.
Everyone, only in this way will there be no chaos in Kyoto.
After a moment of silence, Su Xuanyong's face returned to calm, he looked at Su Qi'an seriously and said.
"Qi'an, everyone has seen your talent. You did a good job in the defense of Kyoto this time. If there are no surprises, the title of Marquis is certain."
"But your royal status is what I value most."
"Qi An, I give you a choice. If you can stay with me and be loyal to the royal family, I can clear this matter for you."
Speaking of this, Su Xuanyong finally said what was in his heart.
He valued Su Qi'an very much, especially through this battle to defend Kyoto, which made him feel that this person's talent was unique in Great Liang.
Moreover, he was still a member of the royal family. This was the reason why Su Xuanyong was partial to Su Qi'an in disputes in Kyoto time and time again.
But he could also see that in Su Qian's heart, there was actually some hesitation about being loyal to the royal family.
Su Xuanyong's experience along the way was very clear. His journey along the way was all based on himself, and he never had any influence on the powerful.
This makes Su Xuanyong quite satisfied, but at the same time, Su Qi'an has been too close to the low-income family and martial arts along the way, giving people the appearance of being naturally disgusted with the powerful people of the family.
This is not a good thing. After all, if Su Qi'an is to be used for his own purposes in the future, he is destined to go to the upper class. As for the common people at the bottom, Su Xuanyong does not value him.
And it happened that Su Qi'an shot and killed Zheng Liang and others. If this incident was not handled properly, Su Qi'an's life would be in danger.
Now, through this incident, Su Xuanyong can negotiate terms with Su Qi'an.
With Su Qian's intelligence, he should know how to choose.
Seeing Su Qian's silence, Su Xuanyong did not rush him anxiously, but gave him enough time to think.
If it had been anyone else, they would have agreed to this choice without hesitation.
After all, the person speaking in front of him is the supreme emperor of Great Liang. As long as he agrees to follow him, his official career will be truly smooth and glorious in the future.
It is not an exaggeration to say that he is inferior to one person and superior to ten thousand people.
It was a pity that Su Qian was not someone else with such tempting conditions. He shook his head and refused directly.
A smooth official career and unlimited rights may seem very glorious, but Su Qi'an is not stupid, and there is a price to pay.
Let’s not talk about anything else, let’s talk about the reinforcements from various states. Why they are so obedient is not because Su Xuanyong controls the families of these generals.
The family members are serving as hostages in Kyoto, who dares to act rashly?
And once Su Qi'an joins the family, the price of his loyalty will probably be the same, as he will have to send all his relatives who are far away in Xizhou to Kyoto.
As for deceiving and using it as a delaying strategy, that is even more nonsense. Su Xuanyong has been the emperor for so many years, and he knows the emperor's tricks better than anyone else.
Dare to play Xiao Jiujiu in front of him, it's really a trick, instead of doing this, it's better to show off your cards.
Su Qi'an's rejection was beyond Su Xuanyong's expectation. His eyes flashed, he looked at Su Qi'an seriously, and said coldly, "Qi'an, do you really not regret it? Do you know that if you refuse my kindness, then I'm afraid this will be a serious matter." Can’t do good anymore?”
Su Qi'an nodded solemnly, looked at Su Xuanyong and said, "I am grateful for your majesty's love, but I am just a commoner. I am able to reach Kyoto with my own talents. I have won your majesty's pity. I am deeply grateful."
"But I am still used to being alone, and there are too many rules in Kyoto. Your Majesty does not need to make this matter difficult. Duke Zheng wants to kill me, so just let them come. After all, life and death are determined by fate, and wealth is in the sky. At worst, it will cost you one life."
"If nothing happens, I will leave."
Su Qian'an said very decisively, with a slight indifference on her face. After speaking, she turned around and left without any intention of staying.
Su Xuanyong looked at this scene with complicated eyes. Regardless of his position, Su Qi'an's bloodiness was indeed worthy of his status as a member of the royal family.
Seeing that Su Qi'an was about to leave the palace, Su Xuanyong stopped him.
he.
"Qi An, please wait."
Su Qi'an's steps stagnated, and he stood still without looking back.
"Since you have made this choice, I will not embarrass you. You are brave and I admire you. Don't worry, I will give you your title."
"Furthermore, I can assure you that if you stay in Kyoto for one day, you will be safe. I also want to see if you can give me a surprise by leaving Kyoto and traveling around the world."
Su Qi'an turned around and bowed respectfully to Su Xuanyong, "My lord, thank you, Your Majesty."
Su Qi'an could tell that Su Xuanyong valued him very much. After all, Su Xuanyong could rely on his supreme power to force Su Qi'an to stay.
But he did not do this. Instead, he respected Su Qi'an's choice and ensured Su Qi'an's safety in Kyoto.
And the words gave Su Qi'an a reminder. Since he was leaving, he should leave as soon as possible.
Su Qi'an is truly safe only after leaving Kyoto. As for what he will encounter on the journey after leaving Kyoto, it depends on whether Su Qi'an has the ability to turn danger into safety.
Su Qi'an stood up and was about to say goodbye and leave. At this time, Su Xuanyong suddenly said.
"Qi An, do you think I am a foolish king?"
As soon as these words came out, Su Qi'an was a little stunned. He was about to speak subconsciously, but was interrupted by Su Xuanyong.
"I want to listen to what is in your heart."
Su Qi'an looked at Su Xuanyong on the high platform, remained silent for a while, and said softly.
"In my eyes, Your Majesty is not a foolish king. When you were young, Your Majesty must have wanted to do something great. However, due to certain changes, Your Majesty was struck by the consequences and became addicted to the art of the emperor."
Su Qian's words made Su Xuanyong burst out laughing, "Haha, you are the only one who dares to accuse me so directly."
"I don't dare."
Su Xuanyong waved his hand and chuckled, "It doesn't matter. I don't blame you. It's just a casual conversation between you and me."
"I have one more thing. I want to hear your opinion. Among my many princes, who do you think is more capable of inheriting my throne?"
If what Su Xuanyong said before was a joke, then these words suddenly made Su Qian's hair down. .
After all, the position of crown prince has always been a taboo in the royal family. When Su Qi'an faced Su Xuanyong, the last thing he wanted to talk about was this topic. If it was not good, he would be killed.
