From cute to empress

Chapter 173 Nirvana of Faith

Inside the bedroom, the flickering candlelight stretched the silhouettes of Zhen Youcai and me, sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. His hesitant expression made me realize that he must have made up his mind.

"Go ahead, I'm listening." I closed the memorial and looked at him.

"Your Majesty, I believe that the best strategy for the time being is to split our forces into two." Zhen Youcai took a deep breath and spoke firmly, "I am willing to lead the troops to the northern border to resist the foreign enemies and protect the integrity of our territory!"

"Then who do you think will deal with this mess?" I pointed to the pile of memorials on the table, with a hint of self-mockery in my tone.

"Your Majesty will naturally be in charge of the capital, planning and directing the strategy." Zhen Youcai knelt on one knee and clasped his fists. "I believe that with your Majesty's wisdom and courage, you will be able to properly resolve religious issues and restore peace and order to the people!"

I was silent for a moment, my mind already made up. I never doubted Zhen Youcai's loyalty and ability; he was indeed the most suitable candidate to lead the troops. And as the ruler of a nation, I couldn't retreat at this moment.

"Okay, I promise you." I stood up, walked over to him, and helped him up. "I will resolve the religious issue as soon as possible. You should also be more careful. I will wait for your triumphant return in the capital!"

Zhen Youcai nodded heavily, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

The next morning, Zhen Youcai led his army north, heading straight for the border. I summoned Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen, announced the decree to rectify religion, and discussed with them how to quell the unrest.

"Your Majesty is wise! This is a very good move!" Master Huineng clasped his hands together and said approvingly, "I am willing to help Your Majesty by spreading the true meaning of Buddhism among the people and encouraging believers to obey the law and live in harmony with the country."

"I am also willing to do my best." Taoist Master Xuanzhen stroked his beard and echoed, "Only by following the laws of nature and obeying the laws of nature can we achieve peace and prosperity for our country and our people."

I look at these two highly respected religious leaders with joy and hope in my heart. With their support, I believe this religious crisis will soon pass.

As expected, thanks to the efforts of Master Huineng and Taoist Priest Xuanzhen, ordinary people gradually understood the relationship between religion and the state and realized the dangers of blind faith. Temples and Taoist temples across the country also began to actively cooperate with the court's rectification efforts, cleaning up their ranks and punishing corrupt officials. For a time, religious order improved significantly.

One day, I was reviewing memorials when a guard came hurriedly to report: "Your Majesty, two people have come to the city gate to ask for an audience. They say they want to share your worries..."

"Announce." I put down the memorial in my hand, feeling a little curious.

Two civilians were quickly brought up, a man and a woman, dressed simply but with determined expressions.

"I am pilgrim A (B), a humble servant, and I pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!" The two men knelt down and saluted respectfully.

"Stand up, please. You said you wanted to share my worries, but I wonder what it is?" I gestured for them to stand up and talk.

"Your Majesty," Pilgrim A stood up and spoke sincerely, "I am just an ordinary believer. Recently, Master Huineng and Taoist Master Xuanzhen have been traveling extensively, preaching the true meaning of Buddhism and encouraging people to be good. I am deeply moved. I am also willing to share your Majesty's concerns and contribute to the rectification of religion!"

"As do I!" Pilgrim B echoed. "I'm willing to help publicize the court's laws and policies, oversee the renovation of temples and Taoist temples, and ensure that religion truly becomes a force for enlightenment and service to the people!"

Looking at these two ordinary people, I felt a surge of warmth in my heart. The people's awareness is the key to the success of the Reformation.

"Great! I'm very pleased that you have this heart!" I nodded approvingly. "Don't worry, I will make sure to properly accommodate you so that you can play your roles!"

After seeing off the two pilgrims, I immediately summoned the ministers and told them what had happened today.

"My dear ministers, you have all seen that the people are discerning. They long for a clear and harmonious religious environment." I looked around at the ministers and said firmly, "I intend to implement a series of religious reform measures. What are your opinions?"

"Your Majesty is wise!" The ministers expressed their agreement.

I nodded and began to elaborate on my reform plan: "First, we must establish a dedicated religious management agency to oversee the overall management and supervision of religious affairs nationwide. Second, we must standardize religious education, strictly prohibit the spread of heretical doctrines, and guide believers to establish correct beliefs. Finally, we must strengthen the interaction between religion and society, encouraging temples and Taoist temples to actively participate in social welfare undertakings, serve the people, and give back to society..."

As soon as I finished speaking, the ministers began to discuss the matter. They expressed high approval of my reform plan and believed that these measures were practical and could effectively solve the current religious problems.

"Your Majesty is wise! We second the motion!" In the end, the ministers unanimously agreed to my reform plan.

I looked at the ministers, my heart filled with hope. I believed that as long as we remained steadfast in our faith and worked together, we would be able to achieve harmonious coexistence between religion and government and create a brighter future. At this moment, a guard strode into the hall, his expression serious...

"Report—" The guard knelt on one knee and clasped his fists, reporting, "Your Majesty, General Zhen has won a great victory and has returned with his troops. He will arrive in the capital soon!"

My heart was shaken, and I stood up suddenly with joy. "Good! That's great!"

For the past few months, the war on the border has weighed heavily on my mind. Zhen Youcai has led his army against a neighboring invasion, with the situation fluctuating. While I've feigned composure on the surface, deep down, I've been constantly worried about him. Now that he's finally returned victorious, my heart is finally at ease.

"Quick! Pass the order down, I want to personally welcome General Zhen!" I couldn't hide my excitement and wanted to fly to his side immediately.

A few days later, outside the capital, flags fluttered, gongs and drums roared, and the people lined the streets to welcome and cheer the triumphant soldiers. Standing atop the city walls, I could see from afar Zhen Youcai, clad in full military uniform, riding a majestic horse at the head of the procession. His face was radiant with triumph, his eyes piercing, as if he could see everything.

At that moment, my eyes couldn't help but moisten. After not seeing him for a few months, he seemed more mature and stable, but his unique confidence and determination were still the same.

"Talented!" I couldn't help but call out softly, with a hint of trembling in my voice.

He seemed to have heard my call, and he suddenly raised his head, his gaze piercing through the crowd and landing precisely on me. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a warm smile that was like a ray of sunshine, instantly dispelling all the haze in my heart.

"Your Majesty!" He dismounted and strode to the foot of the city wall. He knelt on one knee and saluted. "I have fulfilled your mission and have driven the enemy out of the border, ensuring the safety of our country!"

"Alright! My dear, you've worked so hard. Please get up!" I walked down from the tower and helped him up myself. I looked him up and down and asked with concern, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. I'm sorry to have worried Your Majesty." He shook his head, his eyes full of tenderness.

I looked at him, a flood of emotion filling my heart. That once naive young man had grown into a capable general, protecting our homeland. And I, too, had transformed from a naive young girl into a mastermind empress.

"Come on, follow me back to the palace!" I took his hand, interlocked our fingers, and walked towards the palace together.

As night fell and the lights came on, the palace was ablaze with light and filled with singing and dancing. Zhen Youcai and I sat side by side on the high steps, overlooking the bustling scene below.

"Youcai, do you know? In the past few months, I have been praying for your safe return every day." I leaned gently on his shoulder and whispered.

"I know." He held my hand tightly, his eyes firm. "For you, for our kingdom, I won't let myself fall so easily."

"Thank you, Youcai." I raised my head and looked at him affectionately, "Thank you for everything you have done for me."

He lowered his head, kissed my forehead tenderly, and whispered, "Silly girl, we are husband and wife, why are you saying this?"

I smiled slightly, my heart filled with happiness and sweetness.

"Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask of you..." He suddenly raised his head and looked at me with burning eyes.

"What's the matter?" I asked curiously.

"I want to..." He paused, took a deep breath, and seemed to be trying to organize his words. "I want to..." He took a deep breath, looked at me firmly, and said word by word: "I want to resign my position as general and stay in the palace to accompany His Majesty."

I was slightly startled, a mixture of emotions welling up in my heart. He had spent half his life in the military, making illustrious contributions to his country, and now he had given it all up for me. This deep affection and friendship moved me deeply.

"Youcai, have you really thought it through?" I held his hand and asked softly.

"I've made up my mind," he answered without hesitation. "For all these years, I've been constantly on the road, rarely having time to accompany Your Majesty. Now that the border is stable and the people are living and working in peace, it's time for me to rest. I intend to spend the rest of my life making up for what I owe Your Majesty."

I looked into his deep eyes, my heart filled with happiness and sweetness. I knew that everything he did was for me and for our common home.

"Okay, I promise you." I nodded, tears welling up in the corners of my eyes. "From now on, we will never be separated again."

To celebrate Zhen Youcai's triumphant return and the successful resolution of the religious crisis, I held a grand celebration banquet in the imperial palace. Civil and military officials gathered together to toast this hard-earned era of peace and prosperity.

I was wearing a gorgeous palace dress and a phoenix crown, sitting high on the magnificent dragon throne. Zhen Youcai was standing beside me in casual clothes, gazing at me tenderly.

"Today, I would like to offer a toast to everyone," I raised my glass, looked around, and said loudly, "Thank you all for your great help, which has enabled our dynasty to overcome this difficult time. I believe that with everyone's joint efforts, our dynasty will surely prosper even more in the future!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Civil and military officials shouted in unison and raised their glasses to drink together.

The atmosphere at the banquet was extremely lively, with the sounds of stringed instruments and the sound of singing and dancing. Zhen Youcai and I sat side by side on the high steps, overlooking the lively scene below, our hearts filled with joy and satisfaction.

Just when the banquet reached its climax, brilliant fireworks suddenly bloomed in the sky, and the colorful lights illuminated the entire night sky, as if heralding the arrival of a new era, an era full of hope and harmony.

I looked up at the sky filled with fireworks, my heart filled with emotion. Along the way, we've faced countless hardships and obstacles, but we've ultimately overcome them all. I believe that as long as we're united as a couple, no difficulty can stop us from moving forward.