Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors

Emperor Gaozu of Liang was enjoying a massage from one of his concubines, but he showed a moment of hesitation in his response.

"The treasury of Luoyang... I've entrusted it to Lord Qin."

The concubine petulantly said, "Your Majesty! You are the emperor above all, and Lord Qin is your son. He conquered Luoyang ultimately for your glory. Can't you even distribute a bit of the treasures and wealth?"

"Those treasures and wealth should naturally be part of Da Liang's treasury. Is it too much to ask for Your Majesty to reward your servant with just a tiny portion of these treasures?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Gaozu of Liang naturally nodded, "What are you saying, my beloved? I am the emperor, owner of the four seas; of course I can reward you these treasures.

"It's settled then, you and Princess Consort Zhang can go together to Luoyang and choose some treasures, wealth, and lands from the treasury."

The concubine immediately showed joy on her face, but then she added, "But Your Majesty, what if Lord Qin defies the order? What should your servant do then?"

Emperor Gaozu of Liang's face darkened immediately, "He dares?

"In that case, I will have someone write an Imperial Decree. You will take my decree with you."

After saying this, Emperor Gaozu of Liang indeed wrote an Imperial Decree and handed it to the concubine, instructing her and another concubine to set out from Chang'an to Luoyang to pick any treasure they desired from the treasury.

Li Hongyun's perspective quickly elevated, and he saw these two concubines leaving Chang'an with their entourage, heading east.

Along the way, these points of light flickered in and out of view; the winds carried clouds across the sky and the scenery rapidly changed before his eyes, soon arriving in Luoyang.

Li Hongyun quickly determined the identities of these two concubines.

They were Zhang Jieyu and Yinde concubine, Emperor Gaozu of Liang's most favored concubines in his later years.

In Li Hongyun's undertaking, this group quickly reached Luoyang. However, they were met with rejection at the treasury of Luoyang.

Several fierce-looking guards blocked the entrance, their long spears clanging as they barred the way.

"Lord Qin has decreed that all treasures and lands around Luoyang are to be used to reward the soldiers; no one is to touch them!"

From inside the carriage, Yinde concubine spoke through the curtain to her servant.

The servant immediately stepped forward and shouted, "How audacious! My mistress is here with His Majesty's Imperial Decree! Do you dare to defy it?"

The guards looked at each other, unsure of what to do upon hearing "defy the decree."

But soon, one of them hurried off to report to a commanding officer.

Before long, a general in his forties arrived at the treasury.

"Who demands entry to the treasury?" He scanned the two concubines' carriages, his expression subtly changing, clearly recognizing the gravity of the situation.

Yinde concubine's servant stepped forward again, "My mistress has come with an Imperial Decree from His Majesty! It commands that the treasury's treasures be at our disposal!"

Yinde concubine's voice came from the carriage again, "Additionally, fifty li southeast of Luoyang there are quality fields spanning several dozen acres which Princess Consort Zhang desires. His Majesty has already issued a decree to grant them."

The arriving general said coldly, "I am Prince Huai'an, and Lord Qin has already promised me those lands for military services. I cannot comply!

"As for the treasures in the treasury, since the two noble ladies bear His Majesty's decree, you should personally go and request it from Lord Qin."

The concubine's servant wanted to say something more, but with Prince Huai'an backing the soldiers at the treasury, they became resolute, holding their long spears firm without yielding.

Yinde concubine bit her lip in anger, "Very well, then I will confront Lord Qin myself!"

With that, the two concubines left with their servants.

...

Li Hongyun watched the entire scene from a godly perspective and saw the two concubines find Lord Qin in Luoyang City and make their case for entering the treasury and granting offices to their kin.

Lord Qin looked troubled but ultimately consented.

Thus, the two concubines entered the treasury and freely chose a large amount of gold, silver, jewels, and various goods, filling an entire carriage to take away.

Furthermore, Lord Qin was compelled to grant official positions to their relatives, and the fields that were supposed to go to Prince Huai'an naturally were given to Zhang Jieyu as well.

As for the discontent among the military, particularly from Prince Huai'an's side, it was naturally up to Lord Qin himself to soothe.

Seeing this, Li Hongyun frowned, quickly realizing this seemed to be a trap.

On the surface, the actions of the two concubines might seem excessive, but their behavior and Lord Qin's way of handling it were understandable.

The two concubines did come bearing Emperor Gaozu of Liang's Imperial Decree, which, since the emperor had spoken, naturally carried the utmost authority.

Even if Lord Qin was reluctant, he was bound to act according to the emperor's decree.

As for the grievances of other generals, Lord Qin had a high standing in the military and could likely suppress any discontent.

However, clearly... this did not match historical records, nor did it seem in line with Lord Qin's character.

As Li Hongyun fell into contemplation, the entire world seemed to pause.

Watching Yinde concubine and Zhang Jieyu happily depart, Li Hongyun naturally thought of the potential consequences that could arise if this situation were allowed to develop.

These two concubines were currently Emperor Gaozu of Liang's most trusted ladies. At any time, the influence of "whispers beside the pillow" could not be underestimated.