Chapter 1129

As long as there is any emergency, one can lock Hangu Pass and control Chang'an.

And one can take the opportunity to control the three areas of Youfufeng, Zuofengyi, and Jingzhaoyin.

In this way, Liangzhou, half of the Sili Colonel Department, and Bingzhou would be connected into one piece.

After controlling the three areas of Youfufeng, Zuofengyi, and Jingzhaoyin, sending troops from Liangzhou will never again face the possibility of having grain supplies cut off halfway.

Even, by blockading Hangu Pass, one can go through Bingzhou to directly attack Jizhou, head north to Youzhou, and south to Yanzhou, all without any worries in the rear.

This is the true splitting of the land and conferring of a royal title.

But without a reasonable excuse, a reasonable reason, if he occupies Hangu Pass, it would be seen as rebellion.

And the request he made seems not excessive at all.

Trading a salt field for a Western Region, or rather, for a short period of stability—Empress Dowager Dong will definitely agree.

Because Empress Dowager Dong cannot see the strategic intent behind this at all.

An old woman who has spent her life in the palace, what does she know about strategy?

But if it were Liu Hong, Yuan Kui, or someone else, it would be different.

Therefore, making the request now is the best choice.

Sure enough, just after Duan Yu made this request.

Empress Dowager Dong, kneeling behind the bead curtain, lets out a long breath.

She thought Duan Yu would make an exorbitant demand.

It turned out to be just a salt field.

"It is just a salt field. Marquis Duan, you may mine it yourself. I grant it."

Empress Dowager Dong, thinking everything is settled, waves her sleeve.

Duan Yu tidies his official robes, kneels on the ground, and bows to Empress Dowager Dong: "Your subject, Duan Yu, thanks the Empress Dowager."

Duan Yu says this "thanks" very sincerely.

Because Duan Yu is truly grateful to Empress Dowager Dong.

If Liu Hong had not fallen ill, he would not have been able to leave Liangzhou for at least a few years.

But now it seems...

One year, at most one more year is enough.

Once he stabilizes the Western Regions and Liangzhou uses this year to thoroughly digest the million refugees.

"Marquis Duan, please rise."

Empress Dowager Dong, having achieved her goal, is in a good mood. Kneeling behind the bead curtain, she reveals a smile: "I believe in your ability, Marquis Duan. In a few years, you will certainly be able to incorporate the Western Regions into the Great Han's map. At that time, I will certainly confer a royal title and grant you a fief!"

Duan Yu bows and thanks her again.

It seems everything that should be said has been said.

Everything that should be given has been given.

At this time, Duan Yu should take the initiative to withdraw.

But Duan Yu does not take the initiative to withdraw.

"Empress Dowager, your subject has an uninvited request," Duan Yu bows and says: "Your subject was in humble circumstances, and it was His Majesty who personally promoted me to my current high position."

"And now that His Majesty is seriously ill, your subject recalls the first time I met His Majesty and the Empress, and my heart is long unable to be calm."

"And once I leave, I do not know how long it will be before I can return."

"Therefore, your subject wishes to see His Majesty and the Empress one last time before leaving, to comfort my heart. I ask the Empress Dowager to grant permission."

Empress Dowager Dong, kneeling behind the bead curtain, remains silent for a moment.

She seems to be thinking.

And Duan Yu is also waiting.

"It is rare for you to have such a heart, Marquis Duan. In that case, you may see them."

"Jian Shuo."

Empress Dowager Dong calls out toward the outside of the hall.

The little eunuch waiting in the hall immediately goes to report in the direction of the outside of the hall.

A moment later, Jian Shuo arrives in the great hall.

Empress Dowager Dong behind the bead curtain waves her hand and says: "Jian Shuo, Marquis Duan wishes to see His Majesty and the Empress. Go to the Changqiu Palace and invite the Empress. Remember, you must be careful..."

Empress Dowager Dong emphasizes the word "careful" heavily.

Jian Shuo, who seems to understand Empress Dowager Dong's intention, nods: "This humble general understands."

After saying this, Jian Shuo receives the order and leaves.

And Duan Yu is led by the little eunuch toward the direction of Liu Hong's sleeping palace.

The Changqiu Palace is separated from the Jiade Hall by the Yutang Hall and the Xuande Hall, a very long distance.

And He Lingsi must tidy herself up carefully before she can come.

This wait lasts for nearly half an hour.

Half an hour later, accompanied by Jian Shuo, a dozen imperial guards, and several maids and little eunuchs, He Lingsi arrives at the Jiade Hall.

In front of the sleeping palace of the Jiade Hall, Duan Yu sees He Lingsi, who has been long missed and has become much thinner.

If He Lingsi was the type of beauty with a bit of charm and allure in the past.

Then at this moment, He Lingsi is the type who is sorrowful and thin.

The kind that makes one feel pity at first sight.

And the moment she sees Duan Yu, a layer of mist condenses in He Lingsi's eyes.

But that is all.

In such an occasion, He Lingsi cannot show any excessive emotions.

Duan Yu nods slightly.

Jian Shuo, with several imperial guards, pushes open the tightly sealed sleeping palace.

Then, together with Duan Yu and He Lingsi, they enter Liu Hong's sleeping palace.

At this time, Liu Hong's sleeping palace is filled with the thick and bitter smell of Chinese herbal medicine.

The sleeping palace is full of guards.

Even in front of the bedroom door, there are guards on duty.

"The time cannot be too long," Jian Shuo pushes open the door of Liu Hong's bedroom and says to Duan Yu.

Duan Yu nods, then follows He Lingsi into the bedroom.

The dragon bed is surrounded by curtains; through the curtains, one can vaguely see Liu Hong, whose face is as yellow as gold paper.

Separated by the curtains, Duan Yu kneels in front of the dragon bed.

He Lingsi, who is to the side, also kneels down together.

"Your Majesty, your subject Duan Yu has come to visit you."

Duan Yu kowtows to the ground.

He Lingsi to the side follows suit.

Duan Yu, with his face pressed to the ground, whispers: "Do not speak, listen to me."

"After we go out, you pretend to faint, and leave the rest to me."

He Lingsi, kneeling on the ground, looks at Duan Yu with wide, beautiful eyes.

"Trust me."

He Lingsi bites her lip and nods.

After saying a few more words toward Liu Hong, Jian Shuo's voice comes from outside the bedroom.

Duan Yu stands up, then nods to He Lingsi, who stands up with him.

He Lingsi in front and Duan Yu behind leave Liu Hong's bedroom.

Just as the two go out, Jian Shuo closes the hall door again.

During this period, Duan Yu does not say another word to He Lingsi.

Until the two walk out of the great hall under Jian Shuo's surveillance.

He Lingsi turns her head inadvertently and looks at Duan Yu.

Duan Yu, walking behind He Lingsi, nods slightly.

The next second, He Lingsi, holding her forehead with one hand, sways twice.

Then she falls backward. ===== CHAPTER 1131 =====